Double tragedy leaves ‘huge hole’ in grieving families’ hearts
The grieving families of a young couple who lost their lives as the result of a serious crash at Dunalley say the teenagers are now “free to fly”.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE grieving families of a young couple who lost their lives as the result of a crash at Dunalley say the teenagers are now “free to fly”.
The tragedy occurred about 1.50pm on Thursday while the 18-year-olds were driving home from a fishing trip at White Beach, on the Tasman Peninsula.
Isaack Leigh Cooper-Rozynski died at the scene of the two-car crash on the Arthur Highway.
His girlfriend, Shelbi Cate Berechree, who was driving, succumbed to her injuries on Sunday night after spending three days on life support in the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Three 18-year-olds and a 69-year-old have lost their lives in crashes on the state’s roads this Christmas holiday period.
Shelbi’s dad, Robert Berechree, on Monday told the Mercury the pair had been dating for more than a year.
“When you’re 18, 13 months is a lifetime,” he said. “They had a great relationship. He treated her like a princess and she treated him like her prince.”
Shelbi, of Claremont, had recently completed a Certificate III in childcare at Guilford Young College and celebrated her 18th birthday on December 4.
Mr Berechree said his “Shelbi girl” would always be remembered for her loving nature.
“Everybody was drawn to her. She didn’t have a circle of friends, she had a community of friends,” he said.
“She always left people feeling better than when she found them. She didn’t realise the love she gave everyone.
“Her laugh was infectious, she was happy all the time and she really loved life.
“This has left a huge hole in our hearts. Her stepdad and stepmum are feeling it just as much as her mum and I.”
Isaack, of West Moonah, also attended Guilford Young College and worked at Hungry Jack’s.
His aunty Gemma Wilson said Isaack always put others before himself.
“Even when he was a kid, I’d offer to buy him something and he would pick a packet of lollies so he could share them with his siblings,” she said.
“His whole family idolised him and he adored them. The first thing you noticed was his beautiful big brown eyes. We will also miss his goofy sense of humour. He always wanted to make everyone laugh.”
Ms Wilson said the double fatality had “broken” those who loved Isaack and Shelbi.
“Our family will never be the same again,” she said. “For the past year, Shelbi was a huge part of Isaack’s life and now they’re free to fly together and continue their journey.”
Family tributes and funeral notices for Shelbi and Isaack appear on Page 26 of today’s Mercury. Isaack’s funeral will be held on Thursday in North Hobart and Shelbi’s will be on Friday in Mornington.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are being investigated and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
There were 33 deaths on Tasmania’s roads in 2018, compared to 36 in 2017.
MORE OF TODAY’S NEWS
Join the conversation
Deputy Premier to make sudden announcement shortly
Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson will make a sudden annoucement at 5:30, ahead of a no-confidence motion on Tuesday.
Read more
Loggers’ year-long discrimination case dismissed
A 16-month long discrimination case filed by logging supporters against the Bob Brown Foundation has been dismissed. What the anti-discrimination commissioner had to say.
Read more