Tributes for 16-year-old Rowville joyride car crash victim Nicholas Crick

A 16-year-old killed alongside his mate when they crashed a stolen car into a tree in Melbourne’s southeast has been remembered as a loving friend who got caught up in with the wrong crowd.

Friends write messages and lay floral tributes at the scene of the crash in Rowville. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A teen killed alongside his mate when they crashed an allegedly stolen car into a tree in Melbourne’s southeast has been remembered as a loving friend who fell into the wrong crowd.

A passer-by discovered the body of Nicholas ‘Nick’ Crick, 16, and another teen understood to be his best friend inside a crumpled Toyota Yaris on Kelletts Rd in Rowville about 2.30am on Sunday.

The pair were declared dead at the scene.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, loved ones of Nick, who played football for the Kilsyth Cougars, said they had been left devastated by his sudden death.

Close family friend Dannielle Cox, 19, said Nick was a determined, sporty type.

“He was a very polite, very bubbly person with a heart of gold,” Ms Cox said.

“Doesn’t matter how far he pushed himself, he always came back out on top.

“He was bright-minded. He had a bright future. He was just gone too quick.”

Nicholas Crick, 16, was one of two teenage boys killed in a Rowville car crash at the weekend. Picture: Supplied

Ms Cox remembered Nick as someone with many friends and whose favourite colours were blue and black.

Friend and former teammate Michael Mallinder, 19, said his mate Nick was someone who cared about others.

“He knew how to cheer people up,” Mr Mallinder told the Herald Sun.

“He had a bright future but had the wrong people around him.

“When I heard about the accident …I cried.”

The Yaris driven by Nick and his friend was allegedly stolen from a Knoxfield home during an aggravated burglary, along with a silver Honda Accord.

The mangled Yaris was found wrapped around a tree a short time later.

It is unclear whether Nick was the driver of the vehicle, or if he was travelling in the front passenger seat.

Friends write messages and lay floral tributes at a tree on Kelletts Rd in Rowville. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Floral tributes left at the site of the crash. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The crumpled Toyota Yaris was discovered about 2.30am Sunday. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

The owner of the Yaris, Shazia Jaffer, told media on Sunday: “Two families will grieve two deaths, it’s really sad”.

Tributes on Kelletts Rd continued to grow on Monday.

Mourners using the acronym “LLN” (long live Nick), left floral tributes and a cross at the Rowville crash site.

Messages had been written on the tree struck by the car, including from one of the victim’s mothers.

“Love you my baby boy 4eva” the message read.

Friends also paid tribute with a marker left behind for others to leave a message.

“Love and I will always miss you Nick” and “I’m missing you like crazy” were among the dozens of tributes.

“LLN” was also spray painted across both lanes of Kelletts Rd with the word “Huslaa” in a love heart.

Superintendent Matthew Baynes said on Sunday that the boys’ deaths were “a really clear example” of the potentially fatal outcomes of that type of offending.

“Inexperienced drivers, driving a stolen car in poor conditions, it’s a real recipe for disaster.”

Nick’s loved ones are expected to hold a vigil for the teen later this week.

Premier Jacinta Allan said it was a “horrific accident” at Rowville.

“My thoughts are with the families of the young people who have lost their lives,” she said.

Ms Allan, who said she was unaware if the boys were on bail, said the crash highlighted the need to take action on crime.

“... It demonstrates why it’s so important because this repeat pattern of behaviour can be deadly and dangerous alongside causing deep harm and concern in the community,” she said.

Police have not located the stolen Honda and investigations continue.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam or CCTV footage should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Tributes for 16-year-old Rowville joyride car crash victim Nicholas Crick