Dad-to-be mourned
THE young man killed in a car accident near Ingham on Friday has been remembered as a kind-hearted music lover whose passion for life never wavered.
Twenty-seven-year-old Tee Weka, affectionately known as Torres, was killed on Friday afternoon in a single-vehicle traffic accident on Lannercost Extension Rd, west of where he was living in Ingham.
The well-known former Kirwan State High School student leaves behind a pregnant partner, Amy Barbi, who is expected to give birth to what would have been Mr Weka’s first child in October.
Foster father of 10 years Lester Vaele said his son was a loving kid who was deeply connected to music and community relationships formed through teaching and playing music.
“We are lost for words,” he said.
Mr Vaele said Mr Weka was his adopted son sent to him by parents Toru and Lausi Weka in Sydney while he was living there.
At the time, Mr Weka was attending the Australian Institute of Music.
“He studied there while living with us and at the same time he studied … he became involved as a mentor for Youth Empire.”
The Youth Empire program allows creative young people – who might not otherwise get the opportunity – to develop skills and have the chance to shine by showcasing their talents.
“He was such a kindhearted kid and was a mentor at the (St Teresa’s Catholic College) where he was working,” he said.
Mr Weka was the only surviving child of his Ingham-based parents after losing his only sister some years ago.
“He (was) such an inspiring person to people trying to reach their dreams through the industry of music,” Mr Vaele said.
“It wasn’t the fame for him and he made sure people understood that. He chased it for the love and the passion of it. If (he) could do some good to help others (he would).”
Mr Vaele said a memorial for Cairns-based friends and colleagues was planned.
“He will be really missed; he was well known here and the lead singer for the Empire Band and we have done so many projects with him here,” he said.