13 hours ago
Best mates are killed in horror car crash near Vicotria - as family and friends share heartbreaking tribute
Tributes have poured in following the deaths of two best mates in a horror car crash in rural Victoria last week.
Taj Patten-Mclaren, 15, and Zane Oldis, 18, died when the car Oldis was driving slammed into a tree near Murphys Lane and Bonang-Orbost Road in Orbost just after midnight last Tuesday.
Orbost is a town in the Shire of East Gippsland, about 375km east of Melbourne and 235km south of Canberra.
Taj and Zane died at the scene while their friend, a 16-year-old boy, only suffered minor injuries.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raised funds for the families of both boys with organiser Julie Wilson posting that the pair's sudden passing had 'left an unimaginable void in the hearts of family, friends and all that knew them'.
'We are raising funds to help cover funeral and memorial expenses for both boys. This will ease the financial burden on the families during such a devastating time and give Taj and Zane their heartfelt farewell that they deserve,' Ms Wilson said.
Zane's mother Megron said her son was 'my co-pilot in adventures, my constant'.
'He was a kind, gentle soul who loved life and cared for country,' she said.
'Zane was a very kind hearted and caring person that put a smile on everyone's faces the minute he walked into the room.
'He brought a lot of light into people's lives and definitely had a bold personality. He loved fishing, he loved camping and cars and was a big boys boy that loved all of his mates.'
As of Monday morning the page had raised more than $12,000 while friends of the two boys gathered at the crash site to lay flowers.
Friends described Taj as a 'funny' boy who 'always made you laugh'.
'We miss you Zane, I hope you're at peace now with your buddy, Taj,' one friend said on TikTok.
'Best mates gone, f****** come back, boys,' another wrote on Facebook.
'Fly high boys, loved forever and always,' a third said on Instagram.
Senior Sergeant Luke Banwell told media that the boys were killed instantly in the crash while Acting Inspector Rachel Chapman said the incident was felt in the wider Orbost community.
'Everyone in the community will be impacted by this,' she said.
Police are still investigating if speed was a factor in the fatal smash.
