A young cyclist with a ‘constant and infectious smile’ who was killed in a road accident with a truck has been identified.
Angus Collins, 22, was hit by a concrete truck while cycling on Footscray Rd, near the Dock Link Rd intersection, in west Melbourne at about 12.30pm on Thursday.
The truck driver stopped to help Angus but he died at the scene.
‘Angus tragically lost his life while doing one of the things he loved doing – riding his bike,’ a GoFundMe page created by the Brunswick Cycling Club reads.
‘This page is being established to raise funds which will be given directly to Angus’s family to support the funeral and related expenses.
‘Such a beautiful young man who always had a wonderful smile and brought energy and joy to all those around him.
‘You will always have a place in our hearts and will always be remembered for your kindness, your energy, and your constant and infectious smile.’
Young cyclist Angus Collins (above) was killed while cycling in west Melbourne on Thursday
Angus was a student at Williamstown High School and graduated in 2018.
He was a competitive road cyclist and reached state and national level.
He later studied sports science and business but continued his passion for cycling through coaching.
Dozens of tributes have been left to Angus online with many writing he was ‘taken too soon’.
‘A truly kind, genuinely happy and always enthusiastic human who thrived on life and adventure,’ friend Callan Douglas wrote, as reported by the Herald Sun.
‘He was always full of laughs, inappropriate jokes and a wealth of knowledge beyond his years and never had a bad word to say.
‘The world has been robbed of a truly remarkable person. It was always a pleasure to share the track, the road and everything in between with you mate.
‘We are all going to miss you matey. This one cuts real deep and I’m absolutely gutted. RIP Gussy.’
West Melbourne resident Adam Goldrick said Angus was a ‘dear and positively influential friend of my own son and many other locals’.
‘He was a keen and competitive cycle rider whilst studying Physiotherapy,’ he said.
‘I send my condolences to his devastated family and friends who will be mourning his loss as our family is now. RIP Angus Collins.’
Tributes for Angus (above) online described his ‘infectious smile’ and said the 22-year-old was ‘taken too soon’
Angus’ team Compañeros Cycling also shared a tribute, wiring: ‘The passing of Angus Collins will leave a gaping hole in many hearts.
‘As well as many fond memories he provided inspiration just by being the great soul that he was.
‘Angus lived a full life and saw every challenge as an opportunity. What he wasn’t able to achieve on the bike due illness or injury he did as a son, brother, son and friend to many.
‘His glass half full attitude, infectious smile and sharp humor well be remembered by many.’
‘You will be forever in our hearts and forever a part of Brunswick Cycling Club and the Brunswick Mountain Tigers,’ mourners wrote in tribute
The Gigante family wrote under Angus’ GoFundMe: ‘It’s so hard to believe we are saying goodbye Gus.
‘You were one of a kind, so funny, so genuine, so positive and most importantly, so kind. It’s incredibly unfair that you have been taken from us so soon.
‘You will be forever in our hearts and forever a part of Brunswick Cycling Club and the Brunswick Mountain Tigers. Sending so much love to all your family.’
Brunswick Cycling Club has planned a BBQ for Angus’ friends and family on Sunday afternoon ‘to remember, to hug, to cry or just sit quietly and reflect’.
The GoFundMe page has received more than $16,000 in just 24 hours.
Victoria Police have urged anyone with information or dashcam footage of Thursday’s crash to contact Crime Stoppers.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk