Victorian basketballer, 17, remembered for ‘gentleness’ after he was killed in quad bike fall
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The talented 17-year-old basketballer is remembered for his ‘sweetness’ and cheeky smile after the Year 12 student died in a tragic fall from a quad
- Justin Harris fell from an ATV on Sunday afternoon
- The 17-year-old was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.
A high school student who died after falling off a quad bike last weekend has been fondly remembered for his gentle nature, basketball-playing skills and ‘cheeky smile’.
Justin Harris, 17, fell from an all-terrain vehicle on a property in Mount Evelyn, 46km east of Melbourne, at around 12:30pm on Sunday.
The Year 12 student was treated at the scene by paramedics but they were unable to save him.
A teenage girl who had been with him was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Justin, who attended Edinburgh College at Lilydale, has been remembered as a talented basketball player, a keen music fan and a lover of the outdoors.
Justin Harris (pictured) fell from an all-terrain vehicle on a property in Mount Evelyn, 46km east of Melbourne, at around 12:30pm on Sunday.
His former basketball coach, Tim Drewitt, said Justin was “incredibly polite” and carried himself way beyond his years.
Drewitt said the teenager always wanted to be the best he could be, whether it was because of his desire to improve at basketball or his passion for music.
‘Her effort always shone brightly. The hours we spent working on his game in the stadium, on his free kicks and jump shots,’ the coach told herald sun.
He said that Justin was “one of the gentlest guys”, that he “always had time for those around him, especially those younger than him or those struggling to find their place.”
Drewitt said he will miss Justin’s ‘cheeky smile’ and ‘our deep talks about life, sports and the outdoors’.
He added that Justin’s death had left a “hole in so many hearts” that it was “a true testament to the character and quality of the young man that he was.”
Justin Harris (pictured left) has been remembered by his former basketball coach Tim Drewitt (pictured right) as an “incredibly polite” kid who behaved way beyond his years.
Locals have also left messages on social media about the death of what one person called a “beautiful child.”
“It was a great privilege to teach and interact with him,” said Clare Jones.
“He brought out laughter and brought out the best in the people around him.”
Natalie Rae remembered Justin as a “beautiful soul” who was “absolutely amazing”.