A teenager who was crushed to death when a vehicle collapsed on him has been remembered as “the brightest young man” as his death prompts an urgent warning for motorists.
Axle Young, 17, was carrying out car maintenance in the driveway of his family home in Mittagong, in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, about 1.15pm on Sunday when the accident occurred.
Emergency services tried to save his life but he died at the scene.
It can now be revealed that the teenager, who had a girlfriend and seven siblings, had only been an apprentice at Southern Highlands Carpet Court for two years.
On Tuesday, his sister Cheyenne Young told Daily Mail Australia she would do everything she could to “honour him and make him proud.”
Pictured: Axle Young, in a circle, with his parents and siblings on Christmas Day. Cheyenne appears in the photo, center, wearing a purple coat.
‘My family and I were beyond proud of how far I had come. “He was the brightest young man and no one will ever forget him,” he said.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, he wrote: ‘I can’t say goodbye to you. She hurts and continues to hurt. I will never be the same without you, my little brother. I love you more than life itself.’
Another brother took to social media on Monday to tell loved ones that Axle had “been in a terrible accident.”
“Your messages of love and support have not gone unnoticed and are all greatly appreciated,” he said.
‘I love you little brother, with all my heart.’
His employer also wrote a tribute, remembering Axle for his “patience, commitment and his beautiful nature (that) would always make everyone smile.”
Axle Young (pictured at work) had been apprenticed as a carpet layer for two years when he died.
“At the young age of 17 you showed us how determined and passionate you are about your career and your future,” the tribute read.
“This young man’s growth definitely did not go unnoticed and will be cherished forever.”
Police established the crime scene at the house where Axle died, but there were no suspicious circumstances.
The incident has prompted warnings from the automotive community for people doing home maintenance.
“Always be safe when working on your vehicle,” Mighty Car Mods Group wrote on Facebook, in response to Axle’s death.
Pictured: Axle Young, who died at the age of 17 on Sunday when a car fell on top of him in a driveway.
One person commented: “After twenty years working on cars, I don’t go under them without jack stands and a spare tire underneath, just in case.”
Another asked: “Is anyone still paranoid about getting under a car even with four jack stands and a jack holding up the car?”
Several people agreed, with one saying: ‘One hundred percent.
‘I’ve been doing it forever and I still wonder if there isn’t a better way. The more cats there are, the better.
A third person added: “My high school auto shop teacher put it into my head that you can never rely solely on the hydraulic system to support a vehicle.
‘When I use a floor or bottle jack, I always use one or more supports.
“When I use a hoist, I always make sure the safety locks are engaged and lower the weight of the vehicle onto them to make sure everything holds when I get to the right height.”
They suggested Axle’s death could have been prevented, but did not blame the teenager or anyone else.
“My deepest condolences to the young man’s family and friends,” they added.
“I’m not criticizing it, but incidents like these happen far too often and they can be prevented.”
His family created a fundraising to pay for his funeral.
“This GoFundMe was created in hopes of raising enough money so Axle Young’s family can plan a beautiful funeral and farewell,” it said.
“We hope to raise $5,000 to cover expenses for Axle and his family at this time of great sadness.”
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
