Tributes have flowed for a talented soccer player who was allegedly killed when a teenager drove a stolen car into his vehicle while he was on his way to training.
William Taylor, 28, died when an allegedly stolen Jeep Cherokee collided with his Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Warrigal Road and Highbury Road in Burwood, in Melbourne’s inner-east, at about 7pm on Tuesday.
Six teenagers were allegedly inside the Jeep at the time, with three remaining on the run.
A 17-year-old boy who police allege was behind the wheel of the car, has been charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, fail to stop and render assistance, theft of motor vehicle and unlicensed driving.
Two 15-year-old girls have been charged with theft of a motor vehicle.
Police allege the boy was driving the Jeep erratically without a license and at speeds in excess of 100km/hour in the lead-up to the fatal crash.
The 17-year-old faced a children’s court on Friday and was granted bail, with a magistrate saying there was little evidence the boy was inside the car ‘let alone driving it’.
As part of his bail conditions, the boy will have to abide by a curfew from 7pm to 6am, not associate with any co-accused and not drive.
William Taylor died after an allegedly stolen Jeep Cherokee travelling at 100km/hour hit his Toyota Corolla in Burwood, Melbourne, at 7pm on Tuesday
Mr Taylor died at the scene and police have since charged three teenagers in relation to the crash
‘I’d have to say the case is weak, very weak,’ the magistrate said, The Herald Sun reported.
Police arrested the boy, who cannot be identified, after allegedly matching his shoes with those of a suspect captured in CCTV footage and by tracking his phone’s data which put him near the scene.
The court heard the six alleged offenders fled the scene on foot following the crash.
A machete, vapes, perfume and gloves were allegedly found inside the Jeep.
Emergency services were called to the scene at about 7pm on Tuesday
Friends and family of Mr Taylor have remembered him as a ‘kind and genuine’ person who loved soccer
Mr Taylor lived in Ashburton, five kilometres east of Burwood, and was on his way to soccer training when he died.
Paramedics who rushed to the scene attempted CPR on Mr Taylor but he was unable to be revived.
His family and members of Ashburton United SC said they are ‘heartbroken’ and ‘devastated’ by the death.
‘Will was a much loved 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 our privacy is respected as we come to terms with this devastating loss.’
Mr Taylor’s coach, Daniel Puscasu, called him a ‘beautiful person’.
‘Absolutely devastated with the passing of William Taylor, a former player that I’ve coached at Ashburton United in a tragic accident,’ Mr Puscasu wrote online.
‘Will was a beautiful person, shy and friendly and a joy to coach… Rest in peace Wilba, thank you for all the great memories and beautiful moments we shared.’
The Mount Waverley City Soccer Club expressed its condolences for 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 off flowers have been piling up near the intersection where the crash occurred since Wednesday morning.
The 17-year-old boy will face court again in August.
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