Seventeen year old Lachlan Andrews was a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend.
Lachlan’s life was cut short after he was stabbed in a brawl in the KFC car park in Casino on Sunday, May 29. He would have turned 18 on July 23.
Lachlan was working in Casino helping to paint a house.
A fundraiser has been launched by a family member to return Lachlan’s body home to Canberra.
Fundraiser organiser Paige Dopson said Lachlan was strong and hard working.
He overcame many life challenges and he made us proud, Paige said.
“He always put a smile on our faces and (made us) laugh from our bellies and boy, did he know how to fight, then love and laugh.
“Lachie was a big family man he would always be there if we had plans for getting around for a big family gathering, singing us his silly songs.
“Lachlan was such a bright person. He had a lot of life in him.”
The money raised for Lachlan will be to transport his body to Canberra and to help with funeral expenses.
Paige said Lachlan was one of those who helped with cleaning up after the floods.
“He loved big and everyone who knew him loved him,” Paige said.
To Lachlan she said:
“There wasn’t an ounce of bad in you, you were treasured gold. You’ll never be forgotten. Taken to soon.”
Friend Nick Hart said he took Lachie under his wing.
“Even in Canberra, Lachie at young age learned to fully panel beat and paint cars to show car quality,” Nick said.
Nick and Lachlan moved up north.
“Since moving up to Murwillumbah, Lachlan learned how to fish, drive boats, work in a tourism business, build and repair commercial vessels,” Nick said.
“He learned how to be a vinyl wrapper and was going to become a business partner of mine in new vinyl wrap shop in Murwillumbah in two weeks. He just got his licence first go, two weeks ago.
A young man who had respect from all who met and loved him, Nick said.
“He grew from a kid to a very respectful man in a short time.”
Lachlan had an amazing future ahead of him, he said.
“I will miss him deeply forever.”
To help bring Lachie home go to the fundraiser. The target is $10,000.
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