Tributes for Thomas West, 23, after tragic Christmas Eve death in Cairns car crash

A young sailor is being remembered for his stinging bouncers, his adventurous spirit and the way he looked out for his mates after his tragic death in a Christmas Eve car crash in the state’s north.

Thomas West (second from right) with mother Felicity, brother Jack and father Darrell. Photo: Facebook

A young sailor is being remembered for his stinging bouncers, his adventurous spirit and the way he always looked out for his mates after he tragically lost his life in a car accident on Christmas Eve.

Thomas West, 23, was killed when the car he was a passenger in crashed into a pole in the early hours of Christmas Eve in Mount Sheridan on Cairns’ southside.

Thomas grew up in Cairns, attending St Augustine’s College and playing cricket with the Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association and AFL with the Manunda Hawks before joining the navy.

Thomas West was tragically killed on Christmas Eve when the car he was a passenger in struck a pole in Mt Sheridan in the south of Cairns. Photo: Facebook

Thomas’ older brother Jack said he was always a spirited kid when they were growing up together.

“He was a cheeky little sh*t, very adventurous and pushing the limits,” he said.

“We would fight like brothers do, but he has always been my best mate.”

Mr West said his younger brother was always the life of the party and a bit of a risk taker but was always the first one to check in on his mates.

“He just had this huge amount of care for his mates, they have all been telling ridiculous stories of times he went out of his way for them, to be there for them as a bit of support when they needed someone.”

Thomas West (left) with his brother Jack. Photo: Facebook

Cricket and Aussie rules were a big part of the siblings’ lives growing up in Cairns with Thomas being a mad Brisbane Lions supporter.

“He was always a better footy player and cricketer than me, playing in rep teams,” Mr West said.

“I remember one time when we were having a hit in the nets, he was only 14 but he was sharp, he’d steam in and he would have no clue where they were going and neither would I.

“It clipped the edge of the grass and it went straight into my head and got me pretty good.

Thomas took his adventurous spirit and joined the navy just before his 21st birthday, serving on HMAS Supply and at the HMAS Penguin training base in Sydney.

Thomas West (right), pictured with his brother Jack, was a valued member of the Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association. He is pictured here at his first A-Grade match for the club. Photo: Facebook

“He loved the navy, he got to travel and see the world places like South Korea, Singapore,” Mr West said.

“Everyone he worked with loved him and we have heard from so many of them coming up and showing their support for us.”

Friends, colleagues, teammates and family members have shared their tributes for Thomas across social media.

“I will always have memories of him bowling rockets for CFN. Stay strong brother,” said Robert Adams in a message to brother Jack.

Navy sailor Thomas West (left) was tragically killed on Christmas Eve when the car he was a passenger in struck a pole in Mt Sheridan in the south of Cairns. Photo: Facebook

Samuel Bein described Thomas as “the light to a dark day”.

“He was an amazing person and although our time working together was short I will miss seeing him around.

“Rest easy now Westy.”

Others described him like a “brother” who was always there for his mates with a smile on his face.

“You were one of a kind and you and I had some unreal memories and adventures together,” wrote Kane Buchanan.

Thomas West with mother Felicty West during his Navy graduation ceremony. Photo: Facebook

“You were always there for your mates whenever they needed you and I will be taking this approach throughout the rest of my life because of you.”

Jeremy Gonzales said, “never a dull moment with you, always have a smile on your face and a beer in both hands.”

A funeral service for Thomas will be held in the new year.

Originally published as Tributes for Thomas West, 23, after tragic Christmas Eve death in Cairns car crash