Adelaide motorcyclist Tyler Matthews-Burnes died in a crash on New Year’s Eve, remembered as a loving father
The grieving family of a young father who tragically died in a horror accident on New Year’s Eve have broken their silence.
Tyler Matthews-Burnes, 24, was on his way to work after a car crashed into the motorcycle he was riding at the intersection of Robe Terrace and Fitzroy Terrace, in North Adelaide, last Sunday evening.
He was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died, 11 days before his 25th birthday.
Mr Matthews-Burnes is survived by his partner Katie and three-year-old daughter Aubrey.
His older brother Dillon Burnes recalled the phone call that confirmed the devastating news.
The young father (pictured left with his daughter) was remembered as a great father
“It just doesn’t happen to people like me, that was the first thing I thought of, and what a great father, brother, son and everything he was to everyone,” Burnes said. Seven news.
“It’s heartbreaking.”
“It’s amazing to see what kind of father he was and honestly, even though I’m the older brother, I aspire to be like him.”
Mr. Burnes remembered his brother as a kind and caring person who loved anything that had an engine.
He also talked about their family’s wishes for Tyler’s daughter.
“I just want the best for Aubrey growing up,” Mr. Burnes said.
His wife added. Alix Moeahu added: ‘As a mother I can’t imagine what kind of process it is to explain that to a child.’
Tyler Matthews-Burnes (pictured) was killed when a car crashed into his motorcycle in Adelaide on New Year’s Eve
a GoFundMe The page set up Thursday has already raised $2,665 with a goal of $5,000.
A friend who organized the fundraiser said donations would help cover funeral costs and support his young family.
‘A beautiful soul taken far too soon in a tragic accident. A son, brother, father and friend,” they wrote.
“I can’t take away their pain, but maybe I can help raise some money for funeral expenses and for his little girl.”
The driver, 30, of the vehicle that allegedly crashed into Tyler’s bicycle was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and reckless driving.
He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 31.
Mr Matthews-Burnes was the 117th life lost on South Australia’s roads in 2023, up from 71 the year before.
Tyler Matthews-Burnes (pictured) was kind and compassionate and loved anything with a motor
Tyler suffered serious injuries from the crash (pictured) and was rushed to hospital, but he did not survive