Buxton crash: Lily Van de Putte’s father’s touching tribute months after daughter died in a Ute smash

The heartbroken father of one of five teenagers killed in an alleged ute smash has transformed his own vehicles into touching mobile shrines to his tragic daughter.

Lily Van de Putte, 14, died when a Nissan Navara she was in allegedly plowed into trees just before 8pm on September 6 on East Parade in Buxton, south west of Sydney.

She was allegedly killed along with her friends from Picton High School, Antonio Desisto, Tyrese Bechard, Summer Williams and Gabby McLennan – all aged 14 to 16.

John Van de Putte (left) has turned his vehicles into mobile shrines for his daughter Lily (right), who died with four other teenagers in a horrific accident in September

Lily’s heartbroken father, John Van de Putte, has revealed a set of custom stickers (left) honoring his daughter and a license plate with her name and year of birth (right).

The driver and sole survivor, Tyrell Edwards, 18, has since been charged with five counts of dangerous driving resulting in death – driving in a dangerous manner and will face trial later this year.

Now, Lily’s heartbroken father, John, has unveiled a set of custom stickers in his daughter’s honor, as well as a license plate with her name and year of birth.

The stickers feature angel wings in rainbow colors around an image of a purple lily above her name Lily Van de Putte, 2008-2022.

Above the wings is the heartbreaking message: “Forever in my heart”.

The stickers were installed in the rear window of the wheelchair-bound father’s family car and on the back of his Mercedes Sprinter van using the rego 08-LILY.

Mr Van de Putte – who has multiple sclerosis – showcased the stickers in a Facebook post, adding: “Great Christmas presents.

‘Thank you all for your support x.’

Gabriella McLennan is pictured left with her best friend Lily Van de Putte. They died together in the crash

John Van de Putte also unveiled a bauble (left) inscribed in glitter with the names of Lily (pictured right, who adorned the family Christmas tree in 2019) and her best friend Gabby

John Van de Putte later posted a picture of his family with Lily and Gabby’s bauble in prime position as a star at the top of their Christmas tree

He also unveiled a bauble inscribed in glitter with the names of Lily and her best friend Gabby, who died alongside her in the crash.

He later posted a picture of his family with the bauble in prime position as a star at the top of their Christmas tree.

The posts prompted a wave of sadness and sympathy from friends and family who are still devastated by the tragedy.

The tribute was unveiled two months after the families of the teenagers killed in the crash held an emotional reunion.

Family and friends of the five fatalities gathered for a celebratory barbecue in quiet parkland after organizers picked them up in a limousine.

One parent described the gathering as a “lovely day…enjoyed by everyone.”

“We want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts,” they said.

“There were games for the kids, great food, gift packages and all families were picked up in the complimentary limousine service that put so many smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Tyrell Edwards was reportedly behind the wheel when his Nissan Ute crashed into a tree in Buxton

Antonio Desisto (pictured right) and Summer Williams (left) also died in the September 6 incident

Tyrese Bechard (pictured) died in the car crash when a Nissan Ute crashed into two trees on East Parade in Buxton

Mr Van de Putte previously said just days after his daughter’s funeral that he wanted to meet the parents of the driver accused of killing his child and her friends in the crash.

“I just want to hug her,” Mr Van de Putte said at the time.

Edwards was released on bail in October on strict conditions, he lives with his parents and does not contact anyone under the age of 18 unless accompanied by his mother.

Among the conditions imposed on Edwards on bail are that he adhere to a curfew, not leave his parents’ home unless accompanied by his mother, not drink alcohol and not drive any vehicle .

John van de Putte said he wanted to meet the parents of Tyrell Edward (pictured), the driver and sole survivor of the accident, to give them a hug

Tyrell Edwards is released on bail to live with his parents (above) and is effectively under house arrest, unable to leave without his mother Renee’s company