There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, as almost 1,100 people gathered to farewell Werribee teenager Jesse Edwards today.
The 19-year-old died last week, along with mate Brandon Christopoulos after their car came off the Newell Highway in northern New South Wales as they made their way to the Gold Coast.
One of five children in a close-knit family, his parents and siblings spoke lovingly of the keen Glen Orden Football Club player and commerce student.
His father, Darren, held back tears as he remembered his son.
“He was like my twin,” he said. “He was lovable, cheeky, stubborn and funny; one of a kind.
“He loved the Collingwood Football Club, loved indoor cricket, and loved the gym.
“Every night he’d come home and he’d want to watch the 2010 Grand Final, and that’s what we did.”
“I’ve lost a son, but I’ve also lost my best mate.”
Darren proceeded to read a statement on behalf of his wife Denise, who was too emotional to speak.
“My beautiful boy Jesse,” it said. “My heart breaks every minute of the day. I don’t know how to go on without you. The only thing I know is that a piece of my heart has been ripped out. It belongs to you now.”
Brother Corey shared stories of growing up with Jesse.
“Our family has always been competitive, we’ve always wanted to be better than one another,” he said. “You’ve always been bigger, stronger and smarter than me, though I’d never admit this to your face.”
Jesse’s eldest brother Michael helped celebrate the life of his brother.
“He was so talented, and excelled in everything he did,” he said.
Michael tearfully recalled a football match in August, which saw the three brothers and their father come together to play for the Glen Orden reserves side.
Jesse’s sister Stephanie was in disbelief.
“I never thought I’d attend my own brother’s funeral so soon. I’d do anything in the world to bring him back.”
The youngest sibling, Darren Junior, was struggling to come to terms with the death of his brother.
“I still don’t think it’s real. I’m just waiting for you to come home and say ‘what are you all sooking about’.”
A crowdfunding campaign to support the Edwards family has raised over $13,000.
