Hawthorn assistant coach Brett Ratten has written a tribute to his 16-year-old son, Cooper, who died on the way to hospital after a car crash in Victoria on Sunday.
“You had so much potential and ability in the things you set your mind to,” Ratten wrote in the Herald Sun on Monday. “You have been taken way too soon and we will miss your smile, your laugh and all your cheekiness.
“These memories will last forever. I wish I could kiss you, hug you and hold you tight. I love you, my son. We love you so much always and forever.
“You will be with us every minute of every day.”
Cooper was a passenger in the back of the vehicle when it veered off Glenview Road in Yarra Glen, 40km north-east of Melbourne. He was thrown from the car when it rolled.
Two friends, both 17, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Det Sgt David Yeoman said on Sunday it was a “miracle” they had survived.
“It’s an absolute miracle that two people got out of that car alive,” he said.
He said speed had been a factor in the accident and thick fog meant there was low visibility. Police were investigating whether alcohol and other drugs were also involved, Yeoman said.
“Driving is not a game,” he said. “You don’t go for a joyride under these circumstances. It was a peasouper here last night and to be doing what is clearly well in excess of 100km/h in conditions such as this can only lead to tragedy.”
The Carlton football club, where Ratten was a former coach, offered condolences: “The thoughts and prayers of all connected with the club are with the Ratten family, friends and the Yarra Glen football community at this extremely difficult time.”
All three teenagers played for Yarra Glen football club’s under-18 side and had attended a club function on Saturday night. None was old enough to hold a licence but investigators said the driver might have held a learner’s permit.
Yarra Glen FC’s president, Vincent Erickson, said club members would be offered counselling to deal with the shock of Cooper’s loss.
“He was a respected kid and a talented footballer,” he said. “It’s just a massive loss to the club.”
