Tributes have been paid to a talented footballer who was allegedly killed when a teenager collided his vehicle with a stolen car while on his way to training.
William Taylor, 28, died when a suspected stolen Jeep Cherokee collided with his Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Warrigal Road and Highbury Road in Burwood, in Melbourne’s inner-east, about 7pm on Tuesday.
At that time, six teenagers were allegedly inside the Jeep and three others were still at large.
A 17-year-old boy who police say was behind the wheel of the car has been charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop and render assistance, motor vehicle theft and driving without a licence.
Two 15-year-old girls were charged with theft of a motor vehicle.
Police allege the boy was driving the Jeep erratically without a license and at speeds exceeding 100 km/h before the fatal crash.
The 17-year-old appeared in a youth court on Friday and was granted bail, with a magistrate saying there was little evidence the boy was in the car “let alone driving it”.
As part of his bail conditions, the boy will have to observe a 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, not associate with any co-defendants and not drive.
William Taylor died after an allegedly stolen Jeep Cherokee travelling at 100km/h collided with his Toyota Corolla in Burwood, Melbourne, at 7pm on Tuesday.
Mr Taylor died at the scene and police have since charged three teenagers in connection with the crash.
“I would say the case is weak, very weak,” the judge said. The Herald of the Sun reported.
Police arrested the boy, who cannot be identified, after allegedly comparing his shoes to those of a suspect captured on CCTV footage and tracing data from his phone that placed him near the scene.
The court heard that all six alleged attackers fled the scene on foot after the crash.
A machete, electronic cigarettes, perfume and gloves were reportedly found inside the Jeep.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 7pm on Tuesday.
Mr Taylor’s friends and family have remembered him as a “kind and genuine” person who loved football.
Mr Taylor lived in Ashburton, three miles east of Burwood, and was on his way to football training when he died.
Paramedics who responded to the scene attempted CPR on Mr Taylor but were unable to revive him.
His family and members of Ashburton United SC said they were “heartbroken” and “devastated” by the death.
“Will was a beloved son, brother, partner and friend,” his family said in a statement.
‘He was a quiet, intelligent and thoughtful young man who loved his sport.
“We are heartbroken and ask that our privacy be respected as we deal with this devastating loss.”
Mr. Taylor Coach Daniel Puscasu called him a “beautiful person.”
“I am absolutely devastated by the passing of William Taylor, a former player I coached at Ashburton United, in a tragic accident,” Puscasu wrote online.
‘Will was a beautiful person, shy and friendly and a pleasure to train… Rest in peace Wilba, thank you for all the great memories and beautiful times we shared.’
Mount Waverley City Soccer Club has expressed its condolences on the loss of a “genuine and kind person”.
“Mount Waverley City Soccer Club would like to express our condolences to the family and girlfriend of Will Taylor,” the club said.
An Ashburton United SC scarf and dozens of flowers have been piling up near the intersection where the crash occurred since Wednesday morning.
The 17-year-old is due to appear in court again in August.
