Talented young basketballer, 17, is remembered for his ‘gentleness’ and cheeky smile after the year 12 student was killed in tragic fall from a quad bike
- Justin Harris fell from an all-terrain vehicle on Sunday afternoon
- The 17-year-old was treated by paramedics but died at the scene
A high school student who died after falling from a quad bike last weekend has been fondly remembered for his gentle nature, basketball skills and ‘cheeky smile’.
Justin Harris, 17, fell from an all-terrain vehicle at a property in Mount Evelyn – 46km east of Melbourne – at around 12.30pm on Sunday.
The year 12 pupil was treated at the scene by paramedics but they were unable to save him.
A teenage girl who had been with him was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Justin, who attended Edinburgh College in Lilydale, has been remembered as a talented basketballer, a huge music fan and a lover of the outdoors.
Justin Harris (pictured) fell from an all-terrain vehicle at a property in Mount Evelyn – 46km east of Melbourne – at around 12.30pm on Sunday
His former basketball coach, Tim Drewitt, said Justin was ‘incredibly polite’ and conducted himself in a manner far beyond his years.
Mr Drewitt said the teenager always wanted to be the best he could be whether it was his desire to improve at basketball or his passion for music.
‘His effort always shone brightly. The hours we spent working on his game at the stadium, to his free throws and jump shots,’ the coach told the Herald Sun.
He said Justin was ‘one of the most gentle boys’, who ‘always had time for those around him, especially those younger than him or those struggling to find their feet’.
Mr Drewitt said he will miss Justin’s ‘cheeky smile’ and ‘our in-depth chats about life, sport and the outdoors’.
He added that Justin’s death had left a ‘hole in so many hearts’ which was ‘a true testament to the character and quality of the young man that he was’.
Justin Harris (pictured left) has been remembered by his former basketball coach, Tim Drewitt (pictured right) as an ‘incredibly polite’ boy who conducted himself in a manner far beyond his years
Locals have also left messages on social media about the death of what one person called a ‘beautiful boy’.
‘It was such a privilege to teach and interact with him,’ said Clare Jones.
‘He drew out the laughter and brought out the best in the people around him.’
Natalie Rae remembered Justin as a ‘beautiful soul’ who was ‘absolutely amazing’.
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