A “beautiful” eight-year-old boy has been killed in a horror truck-and-car crash in rural Victoria just four days after his mum died of cancer.
Harley Smith and the driver of the car — understood to be his father — died at the scene when they collided with a truck in Trafalgar, 125 kilometres east of Melbourne, on Sunday evening.
Harley’s mother, Amy Galea, from Warragul, 15 minutes’ west of Trafalgar, tragically died four days earlier, according to family friend April Damschke.
Ms Damschke has started a GoFundMe to raise money for the funeral for the mum and son.
“This fundraiser is to help with the funeral cost of Amy and her beautiful boy Harley,” she wrote.
“Amy Galea was diagnosed with stage four cancer at the age of 39, passing just four weeks later. Amy lost her battle and gained her wings. Just four days after Amy’s death her son, eight-year-old Harley, was tragically killed in a truck versus car accident in Trafalgar.”
Ms Damschke added that the events had “devastated Amy’s family and left them helpless”.
“Donations will be used to help lay Amy and her son to rest, anything will be greatly appreciated,” she said. “Funeral service dates are yet to be determined.”
Ms Damschke declined to comment further when reached on Wednesday.
Victoria Police has not yet formally identified the two deceased victims and says it is still investigating the circumstances of the crash.
A spokeswoman would not confirm whether murder-suicide was being investigated as a line of inquiry.
“Police are investigating a fatal collision in Trafalgar,” she said in a statement.
“It is believed that a car and truck collided on Trafalgar-Willow Grove Road about 5.20pm on April 14. The driver of the car, and a child who are both yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. The driver of the truck was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.”
Police have asked anyone who witnessed the crash, with dashcam footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
In another heartbreaking twist, Ms Galea had recently lost her beloved dog Molly.
“I always love you my fur baby Molly,” she posted in December on The Rainbow Bridge, a Facebook support group for people grieving the loss of a pet. “You are forever in my heart.”
frank.chung@news.com.au