Casino mourns death of footballer
THE NORTHERN United football club and the wider Casino community are in mourning after losing one of their favourite sons in an horrific crash on Tuesday night.
Kyle Yates, 18, of Casino, became the fourth man to die on Northern Rivers roads this week when the Ford Falcon sedan he was driving collided with a tree east of Casino.
Northern United treasurer Grantley Creighton said the under-18s player will be sorely missed.
He said one of the hardest things he has ever had to do was to visit Kyle's family yesterday morning.
"Kyle was a great kid," he said. "He was one of those treasures to be around; always willing to get in and help out the club."
Police said the crash occurred about 8pm on Naughtons Gap Rd when Kyle lost control after negotiating a left-hand bend, crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a tree.
Police, paramedics and other emergency services attended the scene and found the teenager clinging to life. Despite extensive efforts he died at the scene.
Northern United first-grade winger Josh Benn, 19, a passenger in the sedan, was taken to Lismore Base Hospital suffering minor injuries.
Anyone with information, call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
