The father of a 15-year-old girl who died in a horrible truck accident rested a gentle touch on the coffin of her buddy at this very time.
One day before he buries his own daughter Lily, John van de Putte paid his respects to Tyrese Bechard, 15, at HisHouse Church in Picton, in Sydney’s southwest, on Thursday morning.
On September 6, Tyrese and Lily perished in a vehicle crash together with their pals Antonio Desisto, 15, Summer Williams, 14, and Gabriella McLennan, 14.
Close to 1,000 mourners were able to say their last goodbyes before entering the church while Tyrese’s white casket, which was decorated with red and white flowers, rested in a hearse outside.
Mr. van de Putte, who is confined to a wheelchair as a result of multiple sclerosis, was spotted cautiously approaching the coffin to touch the varnish.
The first of five funerals that will be conducted in and around Picton over the next several days was for Tyrese.
The father of Antonio Desisto, Exavan Desisto, was also spotted crying on Thursday while surrounded by loved ones.
On the evening of the disaster, his son and Tyrese had gone to a boxing match.
Mr. Desisto laid Tyrese’s casket with his white joggers that he had taken off for the burial. On Monday, he will bury Antonio.
Teenagers came to pay their respects while wearing their school uniforms, and the ceremony included heartfelt tributes to Tyrese from friends and relatives.
Coldplay’s “Fix you” could be heard over the loved ones’ hushed tears as the casket was carried in, and ‘Forever Young’ was playing as the audience stood.
His aunt Rebecca paid tribute to the family’s “special son” in a heartfelt eulogy.
You left us too soon, our darling baby. He was a courageous young guy who was courteous, respectful, and compassionate to everyone he knew.
“When he was younger, he was cocky.” After a few years, he matured into a devout young man. He always had a plan and followed through on it. He was one of those children that excelled in whatever they attempted.
Tyrese began boxing a few weeks ago and enjoyed it. Tyrese had a skill Tyrese’s coach had never seen before.
Tyrese, she said, “desperately” wanted to start saving for a home at the age of 14. He said a few weeks ago that he would ultimately get a vehicle so he could transport his grandparents.
Reecy was very altruistic and prioritised others before himself. She recalled how he always greeted her and gave her a bear embrace.
Throughout her eulogy, Rebecca found it difficult to stay composed, stopping often to recover herself.
I’m going to miss witnessing your response to stuff you didn’t agree with at the dinner table, she continued.
“Reecy, you are missed. We miss your laughter, your sly grin, and your tenacity. My beautiful youngster, soar high. Rest in peace till we cross paths again.
In a previous interview with Daily Mail Australia, Mr. Desisto said that Antonio and Tyrese had taken the train together to boxing in the hours before to the collision and were on their way home.
Exaven Desisto, Antonio’s father, contacted his son to find out where he was when it got late.
Tony, where are you? I phoned him like I usually did when he was running late for dinner, Mr. Desisto recounted.
And he said, “I’m having some dinner at McDonald’s, I’m with Tyrell.”
Tyrell Desisto, 15, said, “Yeah, dad, you know me, I love my life, we’ll be safe,” after Mr. Desisto instructed his son to “make sure [Tyrell] drives f***ing safe.”
The youngsters passed away a few hours later.
Before reportedly hitting two large trees and splitting the ute in half, police claim Edwards used his phone to record a Snapchat video of himself swerving while travelling at 90 km/h.
In Picton Local Court on Thursday, he was charged with five counts of reckless driving causing death and had his bail denied.
Edwards reportedly told police during an interview that the steering wheel started “shaking” and that he lost control of the car.
He said he was unable to control the car and attempted to stop, but it didn’t really slow down. Police claim that scene evidence from the highway contradicts his statement.
The driver reportedly insisted that he was only aware of four passengers and was unaware of the entry of the fifth.
Edwards was transported to the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Center in Silverwater after the court appearance on Thursday.