Flowers and tributes have been placed at the scene of last week’s car smash in Berwick where 15-year-old Tevita Tufunga, pictured in his primary school years, was killed. 32600By Kelly Yates
A HALLAM family is remembering the life of 15-year-old Tevita Tufunga who was killed in a double fatality on the Princes Freeway last Tuesday.
The boy was on his way to work with a colleague when tragedy struck between Soldiers Road and Clyde Road in Berwick at around 7am.
Tevita and the 21-year-old Endeavour Hills man died in the smash.
Police said the car, travelling east, veered on to the wrong side of the freeway, smashing into two cars and a truck travelling west.
Tevita’s mother, Lesieli Tufunga, told the News her family was devastated at the loss of Tevita.
“When we heard the news that he had been killed we just cried,” she said.
Mrs Tufunga described her son as a family boy who enjoyed cooking and helping his father Taliui.
“He was a nice boy who always did the right thing,” she said.
Tevita was a budding sportsman who played rugby in the under 16s at the Endeavour Hills Rugby Union Football Club.
“When I would watch him play he would say, ‘Mummy don’t call out my name as I might drop the ball in the middle of the game’,” Mrs Tufunga said.
President Ashley White said the club was deeply saddened at the unfortunate passing of Tevita.
Mr White said the keen sportsman was always one of the leaders in his team.
“He was a good and likeable kid,” he said.
The New Zealand-born boy was in his second year as an apprentice bricklayer.
He previously attended Glen Eagles Secondary College in Endeavour Hills.
Flowers and tributes have been placed at the scene of the smash.
The funeral service for Tevita Tufunga will be held tomorrow, Friday 26 June, at the Dandenong North Uniting Church between 6pm and 11pm. All family and friends welcome.
Narre Warren police are investigating the collision along with the Major Collision Investigation Unit.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
