EVERY PARENT’S NIGHTMARE
Tributes for teens killed walking home from birthday party
FRIENDS tried frantically to revive two teenage boys who were struck by a car and killed while walking home from a 16th birthday party in the Darwin rural area.
Rhys Simlesa and Rhys Walters, both aged 15 and students at Darwin High School, died at the scene.
They had been walking home along the Stuart Highway at Coolalinga with a group of friends about 2.30am yesterday morning.
It is understood the driver had been at the same party.
Police are investigating the circumstances. It is unclear whether the teens were walking on the roadway or the verge, though there is no evidence the driver was affected by drugs or alcohol.
After the impact, the surviving teenagers rang 000 and were given advice for performing CPR.
The Nissan Patrol involved in the accident was badly damaged, its bonnet caved in, and remained at the scene yesterday. Debris, including discard- ed shoes, was strewn across the road.
Tributes flowed for the boys yesterday.
Rhys Simlesa’s aunt Mischelle Simlesa, said her heart went out “to all the lives the boys have touched”.
Joey Darryl Raymond said his “deepest condolences” were with the families.
“It’s such shocking news you were taken way too soon,” he said. “Only the good die young. “Rhys Simlesa you were such an amazing character always smiling and happy, down to earth always down for anything, funny and just genuinely a pretty cool person whom so many people loved and adored it’s just so bloody shocking to hear that you’re gone this soon bro. I’m so mad, me and you were meant to catch up soon and I’m sorry I never hit you up sooner.
“RIP my little bro you’ll never be forgotten.”
Johannas Traut said it was sad to see Rhys “go out like this”.
“I’ll never forget you brother,” he said.
Shanley Duran said it was sad to think Friday was the last day of “laughter and chats” together in class.
“Way too young boys, you both will be missed,” she said.
Road Policing Division acting superintendent Serge Bouma said the 17-year-old driver of the Patrol stopped “immediately” after the incident to offer assistance.
“It’s horrible — two 15year-old boys — both with their whole life ahead of them and it’s gone,” he said.
“I couldn’t imagine being the parents of those children at the moment.
“We’re investigating what could have possibly caused the crash ... it’s a tragic event.”
St John Ambulance spokesman Craig Garraway said five people between the ages of 15 and 17 were taken to hospital after the incident.
He said they were uninjured, but “emotionally affected” after witnessing the tragic crash and being unable to revive their friends.
This incident brings the road toll to a total of six — the same as this time last year.