Balgownie crash: Teenager charged after 12-year-old killed
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Teen charged in horrific car crash linked to mysterious death of 12-year-old boy – as police investigate link to dangerous TikTok trend
- Holden Barina, allegedly driven by a 17-year-old, hit a traffic light at Towradgi
- Police then found a 12-year-old boy with serious injuries in a house in Balgownie
- He was treated by paramedics and transferred to Wollongong Hospital, but died
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A teenager has been charged and will appear in court after a 12-year-old boy dies after a crash on the south coast of NSW.
Wayne Russell, 12, was found critically injured at a friend’s home in Balgownie, Wollongong, about 2 a.m. Tuesday, just half an hour after a stolen Holden Barina crashed into a nearby traffic light and its occupants fled the scene.
He was treated by paramedics and transferred to Wollongong Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A crime scene has been established at the house and an investigation by detectives has found links between the crash and the boy’s death, police said.
A boy, 17, was arrested Friday at Goulburn Police Station and charged with six offenses related to the crash, including dangerous driving resulting in death.
Wayne Russell, 12, who described himself online as a ‘Little Eshay’, died Tuesday night from horrific injuries in Wollongong
He was denied bail and will appear in juvenile court on Saturday.
Detectives are also investigating whether the crash is linked to a dangerous TikTok trend called ‘crawling while you sleep’ – in which young Australians film themselves committing serious crimes, including stealing cars and driving at high speeds.
TikTok has confirmed that it will remove videos with the hashtag, along with other videos, including #blackoutchallenge, which have users holding their breath until they pass out.
Daily Mail Australia may also reveal that Wayne’s mother, Samantha Sebbens, nearly died after leading police in an alcohol-based chase six years ago.
Friends and family flocked to the 12-year-old, affectionately known as “Lil Wayne,” online.
“Love you my brah… we’ll see you soon, I love you so much, rest in peace my soul, my love, rest in paradise,” wrote the teen’s cousin, Jamain Russell.
“We just need the right closure for whatever happens, you my little darling.”
Another cousin, Quiarnii Russell, posted: ‘My heart hurts, RIP, little cuzzy taken way too soon. Our hearts are shattered,” while Wayne’s Aunt Morgs Quirk wrote, “Rest in the dream, cousin. #forever12. RIP little Wayne.’
Pictured: Emergency services at the scene of the accident after a Holden Barina crashed into a traffic light in Towradgi around 1.35am on Tuesday
Online, the boy referred to himself as “Wayne Little Eshay” – referring to the urban youth subculture associated with foul language, defiance and eccentric dress.
NSW police are now investigating whether the crash in Holden Barina, which happened around 1.35am, a three-minute drive from Balgownie, is related to the TikTok craze.
Police rushed to the crime scene after officers from the nearby Corrimal Police Station heard about the crash, but the vehicle was empty when they arrived.
“We would appeal to anyone who may have social media content related to the incidents that happened this morning to come forward,” said Jason Hogan, Acting Superintendent of Police for the NSW.
‘We are investigating all lines of research and the social media line is also being investigated.’
Anyone with information is requested to contact CrimeStoppers at 1800 333 000.