Burwood, Melbourne crash: Tributes flow for William Taylor as three teens are charged over car crash

Tributes have been paid to a talented footballer who is believed to have died when a teenager drove a stolen car into his car while he was on his way to training.

William Taylor, 28, died when a suspected stolen Jeep Cherokee collided with his Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Warrigal Road and Highbury Road in Burwood, Melbourne’s east, about 7pm on Tuesday night.

There were reportedly six teenagers in the Jeep at the time, three of whom are still at large.

A 17-year-old boy who police say was behind the wheel has been charged with reckless driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, failing to render aid after a collision, theft of a motor vehicle and driving without a license.

Two 15-year-old girls have been charged with theft of a motor vehicle.

Police allege the boy was driving the Jeep in an unsupervised manner without a license and at speeds in excess of 100 km/h leading up to the fatal crash.

The 17-year-old appeared in juvenile court Friday and was granted bail. A judge said there was little evidence the boy was in the car, let alone driving it.

As part of his bail conditions, the boy must adhere to a curfew from 7pm to 6am, have no contact with co-defendants and is not allowed to drive.

Mr Taylor died at the scene and police have since charged three teenagers in connection with the crash.

“I would say the case is weak, very weak,” said the magistrate, The Herald Sun reported.

Police arrested the boy, who cannot be identified, after allegedly comparing his shoes to those of a suspect captured on CCTV and tracking data on his phone, which showed he was close to the crime scene.

The court heard that the six alleged perpetrators fled on foot after the accident.

A machete, vapes, perfume and gloves were reportedly found in the Jeep.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 7pm on Tuesday

Friends and family of Mr Taylor remember him as a ‘kind and genuine’ person who loved football

Mr Taylor lived in Ashburton, three miles east of Burwood, and was on his way to football training when he died.

Emergency services who arrived on the scene attempted to perform CPR on Mr Taylor, but he could not be revived.

His family and members of Ashburton United SC said they were “heartbroken” and “devastated” by the death.

“Will was a much loved son, brother, partner and friend,” his family said in a statement.

‘He was a quiet, intelligent and thoughtful young man who loved his sport.

“We are devastated and ask that our privacy be respected as we process this devastating loss.”

Mr. Taylor Coach Daniel Puscasu called him a “beautiful person.”

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of William Taylor, a former player I coached at Ashburton United, in a tragic accident,” Puscasu wrote online.

‘Will was a beautiful person, shy and kind and a pleasure to coach… Rest in peace Wilba, thank you for all the wonderful memories and beautiful moments we shared.’

Mount Waverley City Soccer Club expressed its condolences on the loss of a ‘genuine and kind person’.

“Mount Waverley City Soccer Club would like to extend its condolences to the family and girlfriend of Will Taylor,” the club said.

An Ashburton United SC scarf and dozens of flowers have been piled up at the intersection where the accident occurred since Wednesday morning.

The 17-year-old boy must answer to the judge again in August.