One teenager from Dubbo has died and another has suffered serious injuries in a crash near Wagga Wagga at the weekend.
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Peter Murray, 18, was a passenger in the car when it struck a tree in the early hours of Saturday morning, police have confirmed.
He suffered significant injuries and died a short time later.
The Charles Sturt University student had recently moved to Wagga Wagga from Dubbo and has been described as “a lovely kid”.
The driver, who police said was a Dubbo man, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
It was anticipated he would be airlifted to Sydney for further treatment to a fractured collar bone and head injury, police reported on Saturday.
A Murrumbidgee Local Health Network spokeswoman confirmed on Sunday the transfer had taken place on Saturday morning.
A spokeswoman for St George Hospital said on Sunday the teenage male was in a stable condition.
Police from Wagga Wagga Local Area Command released the name of the victim on Sunday and confirmed the investigation continued.
Inspector Peter McLay said it was a tragic circumstance.
“We understand the boys were mates who grew up together at Dubbo,” he said.
Shortly after 2.30am on Saturday the pair was travelling in a BMW north along Pine Gully Road at Estella, near Wagga Wagga.
The vehicle appeared to have crossed to the incorrect side of the road and struck a tree, police reported.
Inspector Peter McLay said they were investigating all potential causes of the crash “but initial inquiries suggest speed may well be a cause”.
He said the crash happened on a semi-rural road, heading back out to the university, close to the student accommodation.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner outlining the full circumstances of the crash.
Mr Murray’s CSU rugby coach, Paul Spain, remembered him at the weekend as a bright young player who supported his teammates.
“He was just a lovely kid,” Mr Spain said.
“He got involved with the Reddies because he wanted to be part of a club.
“Two weeks ago at Leeton he was injured but came on the bus, he loved the camaraderie.”
CSU held a minute’s silence in memory of their team mate before taking on Griffith at Beres Ellwood Oval on Saturday.
