The grieving sister of a 21-year-old man who died in the Hunter Valley tragedy says he was a kind and caring person who “put a smile on everyone’s face”.
58-year-old man Brett Andrew Button has been granted conditional bail after the fatal bus crash in the Hunter Valley. The Maitland local faced court on Tuesday after being charged with a string of serious offences related to dangerous and negligent driving.
Kane Symons, 21, was one of 10 people who lost their lives in the Hunter Valley tragedy on Sunday.
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.
Kane Symons was aboard the bus that crashed on the way home from the Hunter Valley wedding.
The 21-year-old was one of 10 people who died. Picture: Facebook
While living in the west, Mr Symons joined Horsham Football Netball Club.
He then moved to Singleton where it’s believed he played footy with groom Mitchell Gaffney at Singleton Roosters.
Jamie Symons told the Herald Sun her brother was a “beautiful man”.
“Kane was a beautiful, kind and caring young man,” she said.
The fatal path of the wedding party bus.
“He was a leader, a great bloke and a mate to many.”
Ms Symons said he was a talented surfer and footballer.
“He spent most of his time at the beach as an avid surfer who travelled 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 Life Saving Community.
Mr Symons played footy with groom Mitchell Gaffney at Singleton Roosters. Picture: Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club
Kane Symons was described as a ‘mate to many’. Picture: Facebook
“His presence lifted all those around him and gave them permission to show their best side.
“He will be dearly missed by many.”
In a statement, Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club president Christine Gaby described Mr Symons as “superman”.
“Kane, otherwise known as ‘superman’ was an amazing athlete who competed at the highest level,” she said.
“We adored him and he will be truly missed.”
Mr Symons’ former secondary school St Virgil’s College in Hobart – where his sister currently works as a teacher – paid tribute to Mr Symons on Tuesday evening.
“The St Virgil’s College Community is saddened by the tragic loss of Kane Symons, Old Virgilian and brother of current staff member Miss Jamie Symons, after sustaining injuries as a result of the Hunter Valley bus accident over the weekend,” a statement said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kane’s family at this difficult time.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
“May he rest in peace.”
Mr Symons attended the college, located 18km north of Hobart, between 2010 and 2017.
The former student’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from his friends and former classmates.
“Thinking of you brother. You always had a smile and such an enthusiasm for life,” Alec Hastie said.
“You have touched people more than you know. Take it easy mate.”
Lauderdale Football Club, Mr Symons’ former football club in Robeky, Tasmania, remembered him as a “popular” player who remained friends with several former teammates.
“The Lauderdale Football Club offers our deepest sympathy to the family of ex player Kane Symons who tragically lost his life in the Hunter bus tragedy,” it said.
“Kane was a friend to some of our current playing group and was a popular member during his time with Lauderdale.
“Our hearts also go out to the Singleton Football Club and the families of all those who lost loved ones in this tragic accident.”
Mr Symons’ girlfriend, Kyah McBride, and her mother, Nadene McBride remain unaccounted for.
NSW Police said formal identification could take days, if not weeks.