Teenage boy’s life cut short after horror crash in South Australia – as P-Plate driver of the Toyota HiLux survives the nightmare
A 16-year-old boy who tragically died after a Toyota HiLux lost control and overturned in South Adelaide has been identified as his family has broken their silence.
Benji Weenink, a passenger in the HiLux, tragically died at the scene of the crash.
Friends took to social media to pay tribute to the Year 10 students, who wrote: “I love you” and “You will be forever missed.”
Benji’s family told The Washington News Australia: “We are heartbroken and are still trying to make sense of this tragedy, but we will not hold bitterness in our hearts and will instead thank God for the wonderful 16 years we have had with our beautiful boy Benji.” .
Emergency services were called to Main South Road in Second Valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula at approximately 5.15pm on Sunday and treated five teenagers.
The driver of the P-plater, a 17-year-old boy, along with three other passengers – a 16-year-old boy and two 15-year-old girls – were taken to Flinders Medical Centre.
The teens are believed to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Benji’s family told The Washington News Australia: “We are heartbroken and still trying to make sense of this tragedy, but we will not hold any bitterness in our hearts.”
Emergency services were called to Main South Road in Second Valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula at approximately 5.15pm on Sunday and treated five teenagers.
The family described the teenager as “a special person who brought fun, light and joy everywhere he went.”
“He was warm, open-hearted, adventurous, smart, brave, funny, handsome, kind and loved by many,” they said.
“He had the most natural ability to put anyone at ease with his great nature and sparkling smile, and he was well-liked by everyone he met.”
The family recalls that Benji “was good at everything he tried,” including surfing, skating, playing the guitar, soccer, tennis and bouldering.
“Anything, he could do it,” they said. “We are so proud that he is our son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend and is loved so much.”
Benji’s family said he was a “special man who brought fun, light and joy everywhere he went.”
The vehicle was reportedly traveling north on Main South Road when the driver lost control and overturned. The accident occurred 2 km from the Second Valley caravan park, where the teenagers were staying with their families.
Main South Road was closed for several hours while Major Crash officers investigated the scene but has since reopened.
The investigation into the crash continues.
The Year 10 student’s death was the 106th death on South Australia’s roads this year, compared with 66 fatalities at the same time last year.