Axle Young dies after vehicle collapses on him in Mittagong, NSW

A teenager who was crushed when a vehicle crashed into him has been remembered as ‘the smartest young man’ – as his death serves as an urgent warning to motorists.

Axle Young, 17, was doing car maintenance in the driveway of his family home in Mittagong, NSW Southern Highlands, about 1.15pm on Sunday when the accident happened.

Emergency services tried to save his life, but he died on the spot.

It can now be revealed that the teenager, who had a girlfriend and seven siblings, had only been an apprentice at Southern Highlands Carpet Court for two years.

On Tuesday, his sister Cheyenne Young told Daily Mail Australia she would do everything possible to “honor him and make him proud.”

“My family and I were so proud of how far he had come. “He was the smartest young man and no one will ever forget him,” she said.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, she wrote: “I can’t say goodbye to you. It hurts and it continues to hurt. I will never be the same without you, my little brother. I love you more than life itself.”

Another sibling told loved ones on social media Monday that Axle had “been in a terrible accident.”

“Your messages of love and support have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated,” he said.

“I love you, little brother, with all my heart.”

His employer also wrote a tribute, remembering Axle for his ‘patience, dedication and his wonderful character’ [that] would always put a smile on anyone’s face’.

Axle Young (photo at work) was two years into his apprenticeship as a carpet fitter when he died

“At the age of 17, you showed us how determined and passionate you are about your career and future,” the tribute read.

“The growth of this young man has certainly not gone unnoticed and we will cherish that forever.”

Police have established a crime scene at the home where Axle died, but there were no suspicious circumstances.

The incident has prompted warnings from the motoring community for people doing maintenance on their homes.

“Always be safe when working on your ride,” the Mighty Car Mods Group wrote on Facebook in response to Axle’s death.

Pictured: Axle Young, who died Sunday at the age of 17 when a car fell on him in the driveway

One person commented: ‘Twenty years of working on cars, I’m not going under one without jack stands and a spare tire underneath just in case.’

Another asked, “Is anyone still paranoid about crawling under a car even though there are four jack stands and a jack supporting the car?”

A number of people agreed, with one saying: ‘One hundred percent.

‘I’ve been doing it for a long time and still wonder if there’s a better way. The more jack stands the better.”

A third person added, “My high school auto shop teacher drilled it into my head that you never trust just the hydraulics to hold a vehicle up.

‘If I use a floor jack or bottle jack, I always use a jack or uprights.

‘When using a hoist, I always make sure the safety locks are engaged and lower the weight of the vehicle onto it to make sure everything holds when I reach the correct height.’

They suggested Axle’s death could have been prevented, but did not blame the teen or anyone else.

“My condolences to the young man’s family and friends,” they added.

“I’m not bashing him, but incidents like this happen too often and are preventable.”

His family founded one fundraising to pay for his funeral.

“This GoFundMe has been created in hopes of raising enough money for Axle Young’s family to plan a beautiful funeral and farewell,” it read.

“We hope to raise $5,000 to help cover costs for Axle and his family at this time of great sadness.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.