Tributes flow for childhood mates killed in devastating car crash
A community is in mourning after two childhood mates were killed in a devastating car crash in Melbourne.
Jason Gilham and Bradley Dobney shared a love of cars and had gone for a drive in Mr Dobney’s brand-new work car – a Mercedes GLA – when the tragedy occurred.
The vehicle smashed through a sign on the Princes Highway at Altona North about 9pm before crashing into a swamp.
A Victoria Police spokesman said the car “failed to negotiate the on-ramp”.
The pair survived the impact but were trapped inside furiously trying to kick out the back window as the muddy water rose around them, 7 News reported.
A paramedic and a police officer who were first on the scene waded out to the submerged car and desperately tried pry the doors open, but couldn’t save the two men.
The pair died in each other’s arms.
The police spokesman added it appeared speed had been a factor.
Friends paid tribute to Mr Dobney on Facebook. He was a keen sportsman and played for Williamstown.
Mr Gilham had only recently returned from an overseas trip. He’d also just bought a house with is girlfriend.
His brother James posted a warning on Facebook to others ahead of the holidays.
“Everyone please take care on the roads especially around Christmas time,” he wrote.
“No father or mother deserves a knock on the door at midnight from the police.”
