The sister of a young Tasmanian athlete killed in the Hunter Valley bus crash tragedy says her brother was a “beautiful, kind and caring young man”. TRIBUTES >
Brett Andrew Button, 58, from Maitland allegedly behind the wheel of a bus which overturned and killed 10 people has been named and charged. He is facing 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death.
Kane Symons, 21, an apprentice sparky, was aboard the bus that crashed on the way home from the Hunter Valley wedding of Madeleine Edsell and Mitchell Gaffney late on Sunday night.
He is one of ten confirmed dead.
Mr Symons was born in Victoria but moved to Tasmania at a young age. He scored a job as an apprentice electrician and relocated to Ballarat and Horsham.
His sister, Jamie Symons, said her brother was “a beautiful man”.
“Kane was a beautiful, kind and caring young man,” she said.
“He was a leader, a great bloke and a mate to many.”
Kane Symons was killed in the Hunter Valley bus crash tragedy on Sunday. Picture: Facebook
Ms Symons said he was a talented surfer and footballer.
“He spent most of his time at the beach as an avid surfer who traveled far and wide in search of a good wave,” she said.
“He put a smile on everyone’s face with his cheekiness especially throughout the Tasmanian surf lifesaving community.
“His presence lifted all those around him and gave them permission to show their best side.
“He will be dearly missed by many.”
Ms Symons is a staff member at St Virgil’s College in Hobart, where Mr Symons also went to high school.
The school issued a statement late on Tuesday.
“The St Virgil’s College Community is saddened by the tragic loss of Kane Symons, Old Virgilian (2010 – 2017) and brother of current staff member Miss Jamie Symons, after sustaining injuries as a result of the Hunter Valley bus accident over the weekend,” the statement read.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kane’s family at this difficult time.”
Mr Symons was a star athlete in the Tasmanian surf lifesaving community. Picture: Facebook
The Tasmanian surf lifesaving community rallied around the Carlton Park club following the death of the former member.
The club issued a statement on Tuesday saying they were “heartbroken” and that Mr Symons’ “legacy will endure within our club, serving as a constant reminder of the remarkable impact one person can have on the lives of others.”
“CPSLSC are heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Kane Symons in the Hunter Valley bus tragedy,” club president Christine Gaby said.
“Kane, fondly known as “Superman,” was not only an extraordinary athlete who competed at
the highest level but also a remarkable leader, a genuine friend, and a beloved member of
our community. His vibrant personality and unwavering dedication to surf lifesaving
touched the lives of many within and beyond our club.
“Kane’s infectious enthusiasm, positive spirit, and constant encouragement have left an indelible mark on our club, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
The club said they were providing support and counselling services to affected members.
Kane Symons. Picture: Facebook
Several other clubs shared their own tributes on social media, as well as Lauderdale Football Club, whom Kane played for.
Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club wrote: “A life taken too soon. We send the Symons family and the Carlton community our dear condolences. Kane was a young man who could light the beach up with his smile and humour.”
Devonport Surf Life Saving Club added: “Such a tragedy. Sending our love and condolences to the Symons family and our Carlton Park clubbies. Wrapping our arms around you all.️”
Lauderdale Football Club wrote: “We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of ex-player Kane Symons who tragically lost his life in the Hunter bus tragedy. Kane was a friend to some of our current playing group and was a popular member during his time with Lauderdale.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff shared a tribute on Facebook, saying he was “utterly devastated”.
“Kane Symons was a champion surf-lifesaver, taken from us far, far too soon,” the Premier said.
“My thoughts are very much with Kane’s family, friends and loved ones, and all those affected by this horrific tragedy.
“As Tasmanians we will do whatever we can to provide support and care to those in need. Just heartbreaking.”
Kaitlin Petrie said Mr Symons was a “bright life taken too soon” and the news of his passing was “devastating”.
Boyd Griggs added: “Kane was one of those kids that knew how to have fun but also knew when he needed to be serious, he will be greatly missed by all at the club that knew him.”
Shayne Jupp said Mr Symons was “one of the finest young men that you could ever meet.”
Rob Peart wrote: “I loved seeing you on the beach Kane. You put a smile on everyone’s face.”
HUNTER VALLEY, AUSTRALIA – NCA NewsWire Photos – 12 JUNE, 2023: Aerial scene coverage from the site where ten people have died, and 11 people were hospitalised after a bus carrying wedding guests crashed in the Hunter Valley., Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles
The horror crash claimed the lives of 10 passengers, and critically wounded several others when, police allege, driver Brett Andrew Button, 58, lost control of the bus on Wine Country Drive near the Hunter Expressway off-ramp at Greta.
On board were 35 guests from the wedding, most of them from Singleton and interstate.
Button was charged with 11 offences on Monday night including 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous – and one count of negligent driving (occasioning death).
Mr Symons’ girlfriend, Kyah McBride, and her mother, Nadene McBride – remain unaccounted for.
NSW Police said formal identification could take days, if not weeks.