THE Newcastle community is mourning the loss of a young life after teenager Luke Wasiak was killed in a motorbike crash at Cardiff.
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His unexpected death has been a devastating blow to his large family, and his friends who have all described him as a much-loved mate.
"My beautiful son will be missed by so many people," mother Nichole Denham said.
"He was one of eight kids and an uncle to a beautiful niece an nephew.
"He was a loving brother to Emma-Jane, Ella-Louise, Liam, Jacob, Aaron, Levi and Harley and an uncle to Kayden and niece Delilah.
"[He] had so many friends that are all feeling the pain of losing a great mate."
The 19-year-old delivery driver, who had a passion for motorbikes and cars, was riding his unregistered trail bike south along Torrens Avenue in Cardiff just after 4pm on Monday when the crash occurred. He reportedly clipped a ute at the intersection of Delasala Drive.
Police said that Luke lost control of the bike and hit a nearby power pole.
The teenager suffered fatal injuries in the crash and died at the scene.
The 28-year-old driver of the ute stopped at the scene and has since spoken with police.
Friends have taken to social media to share their shock at the young Hunter man's death.
Many have remembered the former Margaret Jurd College student as a 'great mate' and a big personality who was known by many, particularly in the Mayfield and Cardiff communities.
Luke had so many friends that are all feeling the pain of losing a great mate.
- mother Nichole Denham said.
Luke's girlfriend, Hayley Jade, could not believe that her partner had been lost in such shocking circumstances and so close to the home they shared together in Cardiff. The pair met in 2018 and included two dogs and a cat as part of their family.
"I will always remember Luke as such a bright and kind-hearted man," she said.
"He is one of a kind, and shall always be remembered.
"Luke Matthew Wasiak is the greatest man that has ever come into my life and I am forever grateful for the life we were building together."
Police investigations continue into the tragic incident, and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner. Funeral details are expected to be released at a later date.
"Until we meet again Luke you will be always be in my thoughts," his mother Ms Denham said.
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Jessica Brown
Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
