School holiday horror as Year 12 boy is killed in a car crash near his family home
Stirling Heriot, 17, died in a car crash near his family's remote property in Quambone, 200km north of Dubbo in Central NSW, on Friday night.
Witnesses phoned emergency services about 6.45pm to report a crash on Quambone Road and first responders found a teenager dead at the scene.
'Officers attached to Orana Mid Western Police District attended and found a vehicle had left the roadway and rolled,' NSW Police said in a statement.
The King's School in Parramatta spoke out about the tragedy on Sunday.
'Stirling was widely admired for his kindness, generosity and willingness to engage warmly with those around him,' the school said.
'A dedicated contributor to school life, he was a committed member of the 2nd IV in Rowing and had previously been involved in Rugby and Cadets.'
The independent Anglican school applauded Stirling's dedication and pride in his country roots.
'His persistence and work ethic were evident in all he undertook, especially in Industrial Technology where he was proudly building a tandem-axle multipurpose farm trailer intended for use on the family property as his major project,' it said.
The King's School added Stirling's passing would be 'deeply felt by his family, his friends and many others across the School who had the privilege of knowing and teaching him'.
'As we navigate this difficult time, our focus will be on supporting one another, especially our students,' it said.
'Please keep the Heriot family in your prayers during this profoundly painful time.'
Hundreds of comments under the statement mourned the 'kind' and 'gentle' 17-year-old.
'This young boy brought joy, light, and laughter to those around him. In his short time here, he left a mark that time will not erase. His spirit was gentle, his smile unforgettable,' one wrote.
'So incredibly tragic! My heart is broken for the family. Sending all my love and thoughts to the Heriot family and all his friends,' another said.
'So devastating such a young boy lost to soon,' another wrote.
Stirling's former Housemaster, head of the Baker Hake boarders, shared a lengthy tribute to the student he knew for four years.
'What I always loved about Stirling is that he is honest as the day is long and the big fella didn't have a mean bone in his body!' he wrote.
'He is a kind, caring and empathetic young man who was extremely well respected by all that came into contact with him.
'I have never seen a young man roll up his sleeves and work as hard as Stirling when he got the chance to put his skills on display in something he loved!'
An obituary for Stirling described him as 'deeply connected to his local heritage'.
'Whether sharing laughter around a bonfire or helping neighbours with practical tasks, he embodied the very best qualities of Australian country life,' it read.
'Though his life was unexpectedly and painfully shortened, Stirling leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.'
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