Luke McCue (pictured at the front in a grey suit) and close friend Jye Naughton (pictured directly behind Luke) at their year 10 formal. Photo: Supplied.
An 18-year-old who attended Trinity Catholic College in Goulburn died in a car crash yesterday.
Luke McCue was driving along Wheeo Road at Grabben Gullen, near Crookwell, in the state’s south, when his Toyota Hilux utility crashed through a fence and into machinery in a nearby paddock.
Emergency services were called to the crash around 10.30 am on Sunday, 20 December, however he was found deceased at the scene.
The teenager was the only person in the vehicle.
Officers from Hume Police District don’t know why his car left the road, but are investigating the cause of the crash.
Tributes have already begun to flow in for the teenager who was the year 12 captain at Trinity College in 2020 and had started an auto-electrician apprenticeship in Goulburn on Monday, 14 December.
Jye Naughton knew Luke since pre-school and couldn’t believe his loving friend had passed away.
“I’ve never lost someone so close before,” he said. “Luke got on with everyone and everyone loved him. He was very polite to friends and strangers. It was a credit to Luke to have a personality like that and everyone will cherish that when they think of him. I can’t get over that he’s actually gone.”
The close friends both enjoyed fishing and had only been fishing together last week.
“I can still hear his voice and wonder what I would have said if I’d known this would happen,” said Jye. “He was such a special friend and just starting his career. It’s really sad to think about.”
More than 80 students, teachers, parents and support staff gathered in the Chapel of St Patrick at Trinity College to remember Luke on Monday.
The school’s Principal Gaye McManus said Luke was a beautiful young man, much loved by the school’s students and staff.
“Luke was one of those people who had a ready and welcome smile; everyone immediately felt at ease,” Ms McManus said.
“The younger students looked up to Luke with great affection and admiration. Luke had a huge positive impact upon them.”
Ms McManus said Luke was always eager to help out, including at regional swimming carnivals, Relay for Life, school discos, with tree plantings and promotional videos for the school.
“What Luke loved most about school was the relationships he formed with his peers and teachers,” she said. “People were important to him. He loved nothing more than having a chat.
“Luke is forever our Trinity captain.”
Acting officer in charge at Yass and Crookwell police stations, Acting Inspector Matt Carroll, said a fatal accident hits home at this time of year.
“Accidents have an impact on families at any time of year, but particularly towards Christmas,” he said.
Acting Inspector Carroll advised motorists to drive to the conditions, especially while there are more people on the roads visiting friends and family during the Christmas period.
“There’s been a lot of rain and there’s more rain predicted,” he said. “Don’t be distracted, wear a seatbelt and take regular rest breaks.”
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
If you would like to pay tribute to Luke, email [email protected].
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