Moment of inattention that caused a young driver, 19, to miss a stop sign and kill a beloved grandfather in horrific smash

A 19-year-old man will spend two years behind bars after his inattention on the road led to a horrific crash that left a 69-year-old grandfather dead.

Riley Jack Camin was 18 years old on January 20 this year when he drove his mother's white Toyota Hilux ute from Shepparton to Kyabram with his buddy in the front passenger seat.

The pair were talking and Camin, distracted and on an unlit rural road, failed to notice an upcoming intersection.

His car crashed into the driver's side of Alexander Eagle's own Toyota, causing the 69-year-old's vehicle to roll and come to rest on its side.

Mr Eagle, who was trapped in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Camin and his 18-year-old passenger managed to climb out of the wreckage. He remained at the scene while his friend was flown to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital with a range of injuries (pictured).

Camin and his buddy, also 18, managed to climb out of their wreckage.

His friend was flown to Alfred Hospital with injuries including a collapsed lung, a ruptured diaphragm, a broken left femur, hand fractures, bruising to his heart and damage to his liver and spleen.

Camin remained sadly at the scene, telling those present: 'I didn't even notice the intersection, I was just talking to my mate.

“I hit the brakes, but it was too late.”

Investigations later revealed that Camin was not taking drugs or alcohol but was driving around the 60mph speed limit before missing a stop sign and slamming on the brakes.

His lawyer said it was a case of momentary inattention with horrific consequences – a reality confirmed in court, where Eagle's family described their loss.

The 69-year-old was fit, healthy, active, a beloved husband, father of three children and grandfather of four grandchildren, the County Court of Victoria was told.

He was known as a man who could always fix things, and his wife said a recent storm that destroyed part of the roof of her Shepparton home “almost broke her” because her husband wasn't there to make the repairs. feed.

The couple was married for 48 years and together for more than 50 years.

“We should have had many more fun years together,” she told the court in a victim impact statement.

Camin's mother said her son, now 19, and the rest of their family would never forget that night.

Camin – an acclaimed engineering manufacturing apprentice, friend, local football captain and older brother – went from a “happy-go-lucky kid” to a withdrawn and defensive person, she said.

The 19-year-old's lawyers did not protest that he was given a prison sentence for dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing serious injury.

Camin pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing serious injury, and was sentenced to two years behind bars

He pleaded guilty to both charges, showed genuine and sincere remorse and “attempted to complete the sentence without complaint”, Judge David Brookes said.

Camin's employer said he would still have a job for him when he got out of prison.

His friend in the front passenger seat faced possible long-term injuries after the crash but had forgiven him, as did his mother who said Camin had become part of their family.

Judge Brookes sentenced Camin to two years in prison, all of which he will serve in the juvenile justice system due to his age.