Storm tragedy

By Jade Lawton
FRIENDS and family of Gembrook man Chris Williams have been left reeling by his untimely death on Thursday.
The 19-year-old was driving south on Gembrook Road just after 5am when he collided with a tree that had fallen during the night’s storms.
He was the 200th person to die on Victoria’s roads this year.
Deputy Commissioner of Road Policing Ken Lay described the crash was ‘desperately sad’.
“At 5am, this young 19-year-old was on his way to work when he struck a tree that fell down during the storm,” he said.
“It was one of the few incidents throughout the year where someone has died from an accident.
“The loss of anyone on the road is very very sad, but when you see a young boy going about his business, heading off to work to die in these circumstances, it’s doubly sad, tragic for his family, tragic for the community, and tragic for his workplace.”
Chris graduated from Beaconsfield’s St Francis Xavier College last year.
Principal Paul Desmond said his death had shocked the school community. “He is the sort of young man that will be remembered very fondly here. He was one of those kids that everybody could warm to,” Mr Desmond said.
“He knew what he was doing, where he was going in life. He has a close family. A really good, sensible kid – it makes no sense.
“The (students) are devastated. They are only a few months out of school, a very tight-knit group. They are devastated, and trying desperately to come to terms with it.”
Friends have left many messages and tributes on his Facebook page. “R.I.P Chris, you’ll always be in our thoughts. God bless your soul. We will never forget you,” one wrote.
“Rest in peace Chris. They say only the good die young!”
Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy of Pakenham police urged local drivers to take care in poor weather conditions.
“A lot of trees up there are stressed because of the drought, and when we get a downpour, even walking under the trees can be dangerous.”