Matthew Simpson’s parents are grieving the death of their son after a car crash in Sydney’s west, only a month after the teenager celebrated his 16th birthday.
Melissa and Luke Simpson are devastated at the loss of their boy, who died alongside his friend Addison Bhimjiani, 17, when the car they were passengers in crashed into a telegraph pole on Windsor Rd at McGraths Hill about 9.40pm on Monday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Heartbroken family of son killed in Sydney crash break silence.
Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>
The boys were heading home from the gym, when police say the 17-year-old driver of the car attempted to overtake a car and lost control on the wet road.
Matthew’s parents want their son to be remembered for his “heart of gold”.
“He was the kid who would give you the shirt off his back, but take the chewing gum out of your pockets as he did it,” father Luke said.
He was dedicated to his family, so much so that his first tattoo was his older sister Sienna’s birthdate.
“He always defended me, stuck up for me,” Sienna said.
“He was the best little brother any sister could hope for,” Matthew’s sister Jade said.
The Simpsons said they don’t blame the young driver who survived.
“They were best mates,” Luke said.
“The boys loved him, and he loved them,” Melissa said.
But Luke does want kids to know they’re not invincible.
“At any stage in your life, it can be taken away from you,” he said.
“… you don’t get a second chance when that happens.
“That’s the burden we now have to live with.”
NSW Police are investigating the crash, and no charges have been laid at this stage.
-With Amy Clements