Matthew McLuckie has been described as a “beautiful, gentle, compassionate young man”. Photo: ACT Policing.
Canberra local Matthew McLuckie has been identified as the person killed in Thursday night’s (19 May) head-on collision on Hindmarsh Drive.
His devastated family has released a statement pleading with speeding drivers in the Canberra and Queanbeyan areas to realise what impact their actions could have on those around them.
“Please, please, please understand there are massive consequences to the wilful recklessness of your racing and speeding,” they said.
“It may all seem like a bit of fun, a great thrill, a good laugh and something to do with your mates, but your actions have consequences.
“Ultimately, our family and all our friends have been left totally shattered by the loss of our beloved and cherished son, brother, grandson, cousin, colleague and fellow student.
“If this message can save just one life, stop another family being shattered and broken, then no matter how painful our loss is, maybe our son has not died for nothing other than a cheap thrill.”
Matt’s family described him as a “beautiful, gentle, compassionate young man” and said they were “absolutely heartbroken” that he was needlessly robbed of his future.
“We cannot describe in words the pain of losing our son in such a senseless and absolutely avoidable accident,” they said.
“He was a young man, coming home from work, to a home where he was loved, with his dinner waiting for him in the fridge.”
The family pleaded with those involved in the incident and chose to drive away to find the courage to “accept the consequences of your actions”.
“Stop hiding behind your anonymity like cowards,” they said.
“Come forward to the police. We never got to say goodbye, have one last hug and a cherished smile.
“Matthew died that night terrified and without his family on Hindmarsh Drive.”
They also asked those in the wider community who knew something about the incident to contact police.
“Please do the right thing and help bring some comfort and closure to our family,” they said.
Matt McLuckie’s family said they were “eternally grateful” for the love and care of those who were first on the scene, as well as emergency responders.
Anyone who has dash-cam footage of the incident, captured any vehicle driving in an unusual manner in the area around the time of the collision, or any information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Quote reference number P2075137.
Read the McLuckie family’s statement in full:
Matthew (Matt) McLuckie was just 20 years old when his life ended in a collision on Hindmarsh Drive on Thursday night.
He was a beautiful, gentle, compassionate young man. He was kind-hearted and generous and very much a home bird. His best friend was his younger brother Joseph who he just adored and he was so proud of him.
He loved his family, doing workouts in the home gym, and was a hardworking student.
He was caring, funny, witty, clever, and humble. He preferred to stay in the background and listen to people, rather than being front and centre. He grew into a big man who gave the best hugs. He was well-liked by just about everyone that met him.
Mathew was born in Glasgow, Scotland and we then migrated to Australia in 2005. Moving to Canberra in 2007, Matthew attended Mawson Primary School and St Mary MacKillop College.
He played football at the Brindabella Football Club in Calwell with a reputation as a fearless goalkeeper from U6s to U18s and was also a junior referee. He also enjoyed Tae Kwon Do, tennis, kayaking, camping and a swim at the beach with his much loved dogs Poppy and Kaiser. Over the last few years he was an avid and committed weight trainer. He was a formidable Chess player and measured in any debate.
Matthew was studying at ANU for a degree in Advanced Computing (Honours), commencing the same year COVID emerged. Despite the difficulties in home learning he was in his third year and had passed classes with several distinctions.
He worked for Swissport at the Canberra Airport. He loved his job and was saving all his money to buy his first home.
Our family are absolutely heartbroken with Matthew’s death. We cannot describe in words the pain of losing our son in such a senseless and absolutely avoidable accident. He was a young man, coming home from work, to a home where he was loved, with his dinner waiting for him in the fridge.
Everyone who knew our lovely young man has been devastated by his loss, his future being robbed from him so needlessly. He had so much more to give, so much love to share.
To the Canberra and Queanbeyan area drivers and particularly those who have been racing on our city streets over the last few months – please, please, please understand there are massive consequences to the wilful recklessness of your racing and speeding.
It may all seem like a bit of fun, a great thrill, a good laugh and something to do with your mates, but your actions have consequences. Ultimately our family and all our friends have been left totally shattered by the loss of our beloved and cherished son, brother, grandson, cousin, colleague and fellow student.
For those who took part in the incident and chose to drive away from the horrific accident, we implore you to have the courage to accept the consequences of your actions. Stop hiding behind your anonymity like cowards. Come forward to the police. We never got to say goodbye, have one last hug and a cherished smile. Matthew died that night terrified and without his family on Hindmarsh Drive.
To anyone in the wider community who may know or suspect they know those involved in this incident in any way, we beg you to report what you know to ACT Policing. Our town and its surrounds are a community. Please do the right thing and help bring some comfort and closure to our family.
If this message can save just one life, stop another family being shattered and broken, then no matter how painful our loss is, maybe our son has not died for nothing other than a cheap thrill.
To the public who were first on the scene, the first responders and emergency services who had to cut our son from his wrecked car, provide him with attention and care, and pronounce him dead on arrival at The Canberra Hospital, we are eternally grateful for your love and your care.
– Matthew McLuckie’s family
More to come.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Riotact.
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