‘Desperately sad’: Mates share heartbreaking letter as hundreds attend teen’s funeral

Shattered mates have opened up in a moving letter to a beloved friend killed in a car crash last month, sharing how his death was the hardest thing they’d ever had to go through and that they would “always have a spot around the campfire” for him.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of Lachlan Lethbridge on Friday.

In a heartbreaking letter written to their beloved mate killed in a senseless car crash last month, young men have shared how his death was “the hardest thing we’ve ever had to go through,” and that they would “always have a spot around the campfire” for him.

Mourners gathered at the Heritage Chapel at Maryborough Crematorium on Friday to say their final farewells to Lachlan Lethbridge.

The 18 year old died at the scene of a crash at Southbrook on June 28 when a B-double truck crossed into the path of the oncoming Commodore ute he was driving.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral, with Lachlan’s coffin arriving in his beloved ute, giving him one final ride.

As the haunting strains of Lean on Me played, people gathered inside the chapel before Lachlan’s closest mates carried his coffin into the chapel.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of Maryborough's Lachlan Lethbridge.

Damien Blythe delivered a tribute to the teen.

Through tears, he said Lachlan had “touched many and touched them deeply”.

“He was a son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, friend and mate to many,” Mr Blythe said.

“Today it is an anthem of sorrow and joy.

“He lost his life far too soon.”

Lachlan went to school at Aldridge State High School, where he didn’t always enjoy the academic side of things, but he enjoyed the friendship of many mates, Mr Blythe said.

Lachlan Lethbridge takes a final ride in his beloved ute.

He started work at Handy Hire at 14, where he was soon known affectionately as “the CEO” because of his know-how.

At 17 he began work on a cotton farm, where his hard work and ability on a cotton picker saw his boss label him as being “one in 10,000”.

But while his workmates sang his praises, Lachlan wasn’t one to big-note himself, Mr Blythe said.

“He was a quiet young man and never boasted about his achievements,” he said.

“He loved his family. He would not allow any mistreatment of his friends.

“He would often see the good in people no other people did.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of Lachlan Lethbridge on Friday.

“The best we can do is honour his memory.

“The world is a better place for having Lachie in it.”

Speaking briefly, workmates shared their memories of Lachlan, including celebrating his 18th birthday with him, remembering he didn’t even want to have a beer on the big occasion.

“We’re always looking for people who show maturity and respect – it’s priceless and hard to come by,” Lachlan’s boss told those gathered.

“We are all sad and shocked.

“It’s just so desperately sad.

“We’re all better for knowing him and saddened for his loss. He was a great kid.”

Originally published as ‘Desperately sad’: Mates share heartbreaking letter as hundreds attend teen’s funeral