A MOUNT Gambier family has spoken out to commemorate 10 years since their son was tragically killed in a devastating triple fatality at Yahl.
Don and Rosie Smith marked the anniversary of the heartbreaking accident last Friday, which sent shock-waves through Mount Gambier’s tight-knit community.
Their son Tim Smith, 19, died in the horrific two car collision, which also sadly claimed the lives of Mount Gambier teenagers Nathan Heness and Ben Hourigan, who were both aged 18.
Sadly, the coming days will also mark the one year anniversary of the road accident that claimed four forestry workers near Penola.
In a poignant moment yesterday to mark the emotional milestone, Ms Smith laid flowers at the Yahl site from a dedicated rose bush planted after her son’s death.
“While we lost our son 10 years ago, sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday,” Ms Smith said.
She said the anniversary brought back memories of the loss and the terrible accident.
“When I was told of his death, the pain was unbearable – it was like someone was pulling my heart out of my chest,” Ms Smith said.
She said Tim’s friends continued to remember him, had remained in contact with the family and were be among those at the special memorial gathering.
Ms Smith described her son as a lovable young man who had many friends and a talent for football.
“We wanted to do something to keep Tim’s memory alive and to let people know he has not been forgotten,” she said.
“It is really difficult to put into words how you feel.
“Tim had a great charisma around him.
“He had a way with people where he could make people who were down feel better.”
Ms Smith – who has three other sons – called for parents to cherish their children and for young people to remain safe on the roads.
“In a spilt second, anything can happen,” Ms Smith told The Border Watch.
“It is so important for young people not to get distracted when they are driving.”
The two-car crash occurred on Nelson Road at the junction of Yahl Hall Road in the early hours of November 17, 2007, and the car they were travelling endured the brunt of the collision.
Two other passengers in the Ford Falcon were airlifted to Adelaide, along with the driver of the other car.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Mr Smith revealed it had been a roller-coaster of emotions for the family over the past 10 years.
“The pain does not ease, you just have to try and get on with life,” a teary Mr Smith said.
He said he would never forget the moment when two police officers knocked on their door.
“It was 3.40am on a Saturday morning when I opened the door, I took one look at the face of the police officers and I knew Tim was dead,” Mr Smith recalled.
“They sat down in my house and they started to cry.
“People need to love their children like there is no tomorrow.”
Tim attended Mount Gambier High School, had worked for a furniture removal business and played for South Gambier Football Club.
“The night before Tim died he was out running laps to improve his fitness for the next football season,” Mr Smith explained.
