The Newcastle community is in mourning after the death of Knights junior Elijah Faalua in a car accident that has prompted a police investigation.
Faalua, 17, was killed in a car accident near Cessnock on Thursday night when a car driven by another 17-year-old crashed into a barrier on a private road.
Police said Faalua died at the scene after suffering critical injuries when he was thrown from the front passenger seat.
“The Newcastle Knights extend our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Harold Matthews Cup player Elijah Faalua, who tragically passed away in a motor vehicle accident on Thursday,” the NRL club said.
Faalua played for the Knights’ under-17s team last Saturday, while the team was not scheduled to play this weekend.
The promising player had primarily played on the wing for the Knights but scored a try in a win last month when he was moved to fullback.
Friends and locals posted tributes to Faalua as news of the accident spread on Facebook.
“God always takes the best! Rest easy Elijah Faalua,” one friend wrote.
“Your goofy personality and your gorgeous smile will forever be missed! You were such a big part of everyone’s lives and it’s just heartbreaking knowing you won’t be around anymore.
“My condolences go out to his beautiful family, his friends and anyone that knew him. Rest in paradise beautiful boy xx.”
Another person wrote: “So so sad and such a talented young man, who will be sadly missed by all he has touched in his short time on earth. Condolences to his family and friends. Tell your family and friends you love them daily as you never know what’s going to happen.”
NSW Police said the teenage driver of the car was taken to hospital with minor injuries and underwent mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
“Inquiries are underway into a single-vehicle crash near Cessnock overnight,” NSW Police said.
‘Your goofy personality and your gorgeous smile will forever be missed!’
“About 11.15pm (Thursday 8 April 2021), emergency services were called to a private road at Pelaw Main and found a Subaru Forrester had hit a barrier.
“A 17-year-old youth suffered critical injuries after he was thrown from the front passenger seat and died at the scene.
“The 17-year-old driver of the vehicle was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries; he’s also undergone mandatory testing.
“Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.”
Faalua is the second NRL junior to have been killed in a car accident in the past year, after St George Illawarra Dragons under-20s player Stevenson Upulasi died in Sydney last July.