Bendigo family who lost son in truck accident mourns his loss

“Most of all, Thom was someone who was great to be around, and it hurts us so much that he is not any more. We love him dearly.”

The Girton Grammar student was “conscientious and fastidious” and was on his way to mastering the guitar. He demonstrated this commitment by learning 29 ABBA songs to play “Guitar No. 2″ in the school’s production of the musical, Mamma Mia.

He was admired by his teachers, had a lovely group of school friends, and a large extended family all devastated by his loss, the statement said.

The family thanked those who have expressed their condolences and asked for privacy as they grieve for Thom.

Girton Grammar principal Dr Emma O’Rielly said on Friday Thom’s death was “an unspeakable tragedy”.

“As the principal of the school and as a parent, I’m absolutely devastated. We’ve had a young life cut short, we’ve had a family altered forever,” she said.

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On Friday, local Lisa Marie described the scene in the aftermath of the crash as “chaos everywhere”, with several emergency services working to save the teenager, and police sectioning off the truck with tape.

“My heart is breaking for his parents,” she said. “Everyone is just shocked and shattered for him and his family.”

Another resident reported seeing the teenager walking along High Street minutes before sirens were heard. “It was just panic from the public,” the resident said. “Traffic was brought to a standstill as firefighters were trying to resuscitate them.”