Third teen crash victim identified as 17-year-old Lucus Garzoli
The devastated “tight-knit” community surrounding the tragedy is mourning the second teen and third victim identified in the crash.
The third victim who list his life in a horrific crash in Victoria’s southwest has been identified as 17-year-old Lucus Garzoli.
Lucus’ Facebook account was filled with images of decked-out cars, describing himself as a “driving” enthusiast alongside his hobbies of playing video games and going to the gym.
“You only live once so make it a good f**king life,” his Facebook intro read.
The revelation came on Monday after tributes began appearing online for two of the other victims, who had already been named.
The identity of the fourth person killed in the crash at Bochara, 300km west of Melbourne, is not yet known, though it is believed she is a teenage girl.
The sole survivor of the crash, a 17-year-old girl, was rushed to hospital with critical injuries to her upper body.
Some of the teens involved are believed to be students at Baimbridge College in nearby Hamilton, a town of around 10,000 people.
Remembered as a “beautiful boy”, loved ones of Lucus took to Facebook to pay their respects to the young teen.
“Lucus was a beautiful boy we will always forever cherish the moments we spent with him,” one person wrote.
Lyn Lucas mourned her “gorgeous grandson”.
“I will miss that beautiful face,” she said.
The other teenage boy who died in the collision had been identified earlier as 17-year-old Joshua Elmes, believed to be an Army Cadet like Lucas.
Joshua’s father Matthew Elmes confirmed the news on social media, revealing on Sunday that he was “holding onto a post” from his son.
“I tried to be a good dad for you, Josh,” he said.
“I feel like I have failed you though … I will see you again someday …”
A 31-year-old mother, Alicia Montebello, was named as another victim in the crash.
Ms Montebello was remembered by her brother Jaryd as a “beautiful sister taken way too soon”.
“You will be forever in our hearts and a part of my girls’ lives,” he said on Facebook.
“You were loved very much.”
Police believe the vehicle was travelling at an “exceptionally high speed” along a narrow road on Saturday morning before the driver lost control of the car, crashing it into a tree.
While the crash was so severe that police have been unable to determine how many of those involved were wearing seatbelts, images of sweet notes scribbled on the interior of the car have surfaced.
“Drive safe,” one read.
“Love people, help people,” read another.
Discovered by a passer-by at Wannon-Nigretta Rd about 9am, the car was seen leaving a local waterfall park about 1am on Saturday, Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir told the media on Sunday.
“This was a really traumatic, destructive scene,” he said.
“It is a really narrow, rural road that the vehicle has obviously been travelling (down) at exceptionally high speed and has come off the road and impacted a tree.
“We’re still raising through a range of complexities and identification.
“We’re hoping the 17-year-old pulls through … and we’re hoping to unpack it all with her in due course.”
Floral tributes have since been laid at the entrance of Baimbridge College in Hamilton.
South Grampians Mayor David Robertson said Monday would be “a horrendous day” for the community and school friends known to the victims.
Victoria Police Sergeant Ryan Nelson said while the fourth victim was yet to be formally identified, it was believed all those involved in the “horrific” crash were locals.
“There’s five people involved in this and all their families and all their friends,” he said.
“It’s going to hit the town really hard.”
Mr Robertson said the names of all the victims would be released “at the right time”.
“We will get through it and there’s plenty of support coming into town this morning and plenty of support within the town for the victims and their families,” he said.
Mr Robertson said trauma teams from Horsham and Warrnambool would attend Baimbridge College and other schools, while counsellors would be ready to support the community at the town’s Performing Arts Centre.
Victoria’s road toll has climbed to 130 – well up on the 96 deaths at the same time last year.
Mr Weir warned that the toll could rise further, with several people in hospital with life-threatening injuries from crashes in the past week.
“When you see the family of a victim, listen to what they say – it’s heartfelt. You don’t want that to be you,” he said.
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“There has been a catastrophe (every day) since Friday. It has to stop. We need people to take responsibility for their actions.”
The car was removed from the scene on Sunday, while police hope to speak to the 17-year-old flown to The Alfred once her condition improves.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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