Taken far too young

Flowers and cards have been placed at the scene of the incident in Narre Warren that claimed Mark Zimmer (inset). 24769

By Kelly Yates
A SCHOOL is mourning after the tragic death of one of its former students.
Mazenod College principal Father Pat Moroney told the News the school was in shock after hearing the news that Mark Christian Zimmer, 19, died after being struck by a Toyota Tarago van in Ormond Road Narre Warren South early Sunday morning.
Father Moroney described Mark, of Endeavour Hills, as being a “very nice young man, who had lots of friends.”
“He was the type of boy who treasured strong friendships,” he said.
“Mark was very family orientated, holding a special bond with his sister and baby brother.”
The kind and faithful student did well academically, according to Father Moroney.
Mr Zimmer successfully completed VCE at the school last year and was studying computer studies at Swinburne University.
Father Moroney said it was always a great tragedy when the life of a young boy was taken so soon.
“It’s a sad waste of a life and now two families are left devastated,” he said.
Father Moroney said the school had been praying for Mr Zimmer since last weekend’s incident.
“We’ve prayed for him every morning during Mass. Some of the students who are finishing their schooling this year were really close to Mark,” he said.
“They are coping as well as they can.”
Some of Mr Zimmer’s fellow peers from the college posted a facebook page on the internet, saying it was a “memorial to Mark, from all of the students who went to and still attend Mazenod College. We miss you mate.”
Father Moroney said the Zimmer family was shattered.
“The loss of Mark has put a devastating gap in their lives,” he said.
Mr Zimmer’s family issued a statement to the media following the 19-year-old’s death. “His honesty, charm and wit was what made him the best son, brother and friend to all those that knew and loved him.”
Father Moroney is predicting a big turn out for tomorrow’s funeral.
The funeral of Mark Christian Zimmer will be held at the Boyd Chapel in the Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Friday 21 November.
The service will start at 2pm.
A memorial Vigil Mass will be offered at St Paul Apostle Parish in Endeavour Hills tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm.
Homicide Squad detectives have charged 18-year-old Leon Borthwick from Narre Warren with one count of murder.
Mr Borthwick, who lived near the crash scene, appeared in an out of sessions hearing where he was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday 17 November.