Moving funeral held for Urangan crash victim Chris Sorensen

There was standing room only as the devastated family of a teenage crash victim shared memories at his funeral service in Hervey Bay, including his brother who was seriously injured in the same accident.

Beloved young father Chris Sorensen.

As mourners gathered to farewell a much-loved crash victim at a funeral in Hervey Bay, there was standing room only.

Young father Chris Sorensen, 19, died in hospital on October 8, 2023 after a crash at Urangan on September 22.

Hervey Bay mechanic Matthew Rieck, 26, and his younger brother Mr Sorensen both suffered life-threatening injuries when the car they were travelling in smashed into a wall and fence on Elizabeth St in the early hours of the morning.

Another passenger – a 22-year-old woman – was also rushed to hospital in a serious condition.

Chris’s mother Melissa Hobson gave a eulogy for her son at the service, held at Fraser Coast Crematorium and Bayside Memorial Gardens on Monday.

She spoke of Chris being the middle child in a loving family, of his cheeky and charming nature, which left “an enduring impact” on everyone he encountered.

His friends quickly became like family and his infectious zest for life was inspiring, Ms Hobson said.

Chris had fearlessly pursued hobbies like scaling palm trees and rooftops and had a passion for anything with two or four wheels, whether it was bikes or cars, she said.

Melissa Hobson with her beloved son Chris Sorensen.

He had gathered knowledge as a backyard mechanic, boasting an impressive knowledge of cars, bikes and engines, Ms Hobson said.

“Yet it was the vastness of Chris’s heart that truly defined him.

“He was always ready to lend a helping hand. His love for family and friends, especially his younger brother Brad, was undeniable.

“Becoming a father at just 17 he forged an unbreakable bond with his daughter, Naomi Rose.

“His kindness and generosity left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.”

Chris had been a wellspring of warmth and love for those lucky enough to share his presence, she said.

“Chris, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for choosing me to be your mother.

“I miss the joy you brought into our lives - the warmth of your hugs,” Ms Hobson said.

Beloved young father Chris Sorensen.

Chris’s father, Alan Sorensen, remembered his son as a fan of The Simpsons, Family Guy, The Big Bang Theory, South Park and many more.

He remembered his son as being “addicted to TikTok”, hoping to get TikTok famous with all his videos, and coming close with one of them.

His uncle, Brad Sorensen, recited a prayer before speaking of his beloved nephew.

He remembered family gatherings, nights where they camped out and celebrations of Christmas and Easter when the children would have adventures together.

Chris had hated school, didn’t like the rules and struggled with ADHD, he remembered.

But he taught his uncle how to play games, although he never got as good as Chris.

Chris was fearless from a young age, he said, telling of how he had searched the “deepest crags of the trees” and found the prize during a treasure hunt among the family’s children.

Recently the family had a working bee at their grandfather’s home and all the boys had turned up “of their own choice to help Grandad”, Brad said.

He said he would always remember the good times the family had spent together.

“You were taken early but I truly know your life continues on. Chris, this life is so short for all of us, eternity is wide open for you now and you are with our family in heaven now, for they are all there.

“We all can’t wait to see you again mate. You’ve always shown you’re not too far from us.”

Amanda Dale, Chris’s sister, also spoke during the ceremony, saying her brother was always outside doing something.

He had been family orientated, loved playing video games and watching shows she “definitely wasn’t a fan of.”

Chris was an energetic boy who could not stay still and she had fond memories of playing in playgrounds and running along the beach.

“All you had to look for were the trees if he was nowhere to be seen,” she said.

Mr Rieck also spoke during the service, talking of his brother, the “golden gem”, who was so protective of those around him.

He spoke of the messages he had received from Chris’s friends since the crash happened, saying he had been a “one-of-a-kind human being”.

A montage of photos of Chris was then shared with those gathered, before people were invited to place a gum leaf on Chris’s coffin.

Originally published as Moving funeral held for Urangan crash victim Chris Sorensen