Tributes are flowing in for two Hoppers Crossing teenagers killed in a horror crash last Wednesday.
Harley Churchill, 19, and Ivana Clonaridis, 18, plunged off the EJ Whitten Bridge in Keilor East while illegally racing in Churchill’s ute about 1.30am.
It’s believed the vehicle reached speeds of up to 160km/h before the driver lost control.
Ms Clonaridis shared a photo on Facebook recently of a new XR-6 vehicle she had purchased, admitting her previous car was written off after hitting a tree.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of this one,” she posted.
Her mother Mary took to Facebook to post a heartfelt message about losing her daughter.
“My baby [is] in heaven crying – I’m crying with you,” she wrote.
In a later post, she urged parents to be aware of the dangers of their children hooning.
“These kids like the thrill, the speed, they don’t think about the devastation they leave behind. They think they are invincible,” she wrote.
“Please parents, talk to your kids. I tried and she didn’t listen. You need to be vigilant, find out who their friends are. If they’re 18 and drive fast cars, don’t let them hang out with them.”
David Smillie, principal of The Grange P-12 College, where Ms Clonaridis and Mr Churchill had been students, said the tragedy had hit the school hard.
“Schools are very close communities and this has been a tough time for students who knew the two and the teachers who had a close relationship with them during their time here,” Mr Smillie said.
“Ivana was a vivacious young girl with a lot of ambition. She joined our school in year 9 and finished year 12 a couple of years ago. She had aspirations and wanted to make her life a success.
“She was very popular and well-liked, and got along well with our teachers.”
Mr Smillie said Mr Churchill had been a long-term student at the school, beginning in prep and finishing in year 10.
“I was talking to some of the primary school staff about Harley and many remember him as a cheeky, bright young kid,” he said.
“I’ve had phone calls from teachers who have left the school. They’re all in shock – they all remember many positive interactions with him. He was always so full of life.”
An online fundraising campaign has been launched to fund the funerals of the two teens.
