‘He was only a kid’: Dad’s tribute to bus crash victim, described as ‘Superman’ by his surf club
Save articles for later
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.
A talented athlete who died in the Hunter Valley bus tragedy has been remembered as a leader, great bloke and “Superman” by his peers.
Steven Symons said his 21-year-old son Kane Symons was on track to finish his apprenticeship later this year, then planning to travel Europe for six months with his partner Kyah McBride – who also died in the crash.
Kane Symons.Credit: Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club
Kane was hoping his skills as an electrician would help him secure work while travelling in Europe.
“We’ve had some fantastic messages and support. You don’t realise how many lives your kids touch,” he told this masthead. “There’s an element of disbelief, [it’s] something we’re struggling to comprehend.”
Kane Symons as a student at St Virgil’s College in Tasmania.Credit: St Virgil’s College
Breaking down in tears, Steve said Kane was adventurous and brave.
He said he’ll remember his son’s love of the outdoors, sense of adventure, and cheeky personality, which was admired by his peers and adult friends alike. He was a hard worker, his father said, someone taken too soon, and too young.
“He was adventurous, he loved having to go and trying things and doing things and challenging himself and others,” he said.
“He was only a kid.”
The surf lifesaving community in Hobart is also grieving the loss of Symons. On Wednesday, he was remembered by the Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club, which said its members adored a great bloke who was active in their community.
“CPSLSC are heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Kane Symons in the Hunter Valley bus tragedy. We send our love and support to Steve, Sarn and Jamie,” the tribute said.
Kane Symons was a victim of the Hunter Valley bus tragedy.
“Kane, otherwise known as Superman, was an amazing athlete who competed at the highest level. But more than that, he was a leader, a great bloke and a mate to many. We adored him and he will be truly missed.”
The town of Singleton is in mourning after the bus leaving Maddy Edsell and Mitchell Gaffney’s wedding on Sunday night crashed, killing 10 people and injuring 26, making it one of the country’s worst road disasters.
The tributes for Symons come as the Warrandyte Cricket Club on Wednesday paid tribute to 30-year-old Melbourne woman Darcy Bulman who died. Her partner, Nick Dinakis, is still in hospital.
“Our condolences go out to Darcy’s family and friends, and the club is offering support to them at this time. Darcy’s partner Nick remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital,” the club said.
Darcy Bulman (right) and partner Nick Dinakis at the Wandin Estate winery.Credit: Instagram
As of Wednesday morning, nine victims from the bus crash were stable at the John Hunter Hospital, two were stable at Maitland Hospital and two were stable at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
On Tuesday, bus driver Brett Button was given bail after being charged with serious driving offences, the court hearing it was alleged he told passengers to “fasten your seatbelts” in the moments before the tragedy.
Symons was born in Victoria but moved to Tasmania at a young age before returning to Ballarat and Horsham to work as an apprentice electrician, his father said.
Symons’ Hobart high school, St Virgil’s College, also honoured their former student, saying it was saddened by the tragic loss. Jamie, Kane’s sister, works at the school.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kane’s family,” the school’s post said. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”
Others believed killed in the crash include a junior medical officer with Hunter New England Local Health District, Rebecca Mullen, football-mad mother and daughter Kyah and Nadene McBride and bowel cancer survivor Zach Bray.
The roundabout where the bus crashed on Wine Country Drive reopened on Tuesday night, as authorities limited traffic to speeds of 40km/h to allow safe passage for pedestrians to attend the floral tribute that has grown in the centre of the roundabout.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Most Viewed in National
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article