He Was Our Life

Newcastle Herald

Monday January 5, 2009

By STEPHEN RYAN

THE family and friends of James McLennan are mourning the bright and busy teenager after he died following a horrific accident in the early hours of New Year's Day.

James, 18, of Cessnock, fell from the back of a utility at Morpeth during a night out with friends and died at John Hunter Hospital on Friday.

James's father Peter said his eldest son was "always busy" with a never-ending list of hobbies, sports and friends.

"He loved people," Mr McLennan said. "He loved his family and his community.

"There's a huge hole in our life. He was our life.

"He was a great, great kid."

Soccer, motorbikes, camping, shooting and country and western music were just some

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Parents grieve for their bright spark

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of James's interests.

At school, the Hunter Valley Grammar student turned his hand to just about every sport and cultural activity on offer.

"He was very much into drama," Mr McLennan said. "He loved the camera.

"He always had that smile and his long curly hair."

James excelled at soccer, teeball, cross country running and swimming. He captained his Bellbird soccer team.

After he completed his Higher School Certificate in 2007, James began an apprenticeship as a plant mechanic at PJ Berriman at Tomago.

But he continued to live at home.

"Our house was always full of his mates," Mr McLennan said. "He loved company."

James suffered from a heart condition as a child but after that was repaired, Mr McLennan said, "he just pushed on with life".

James was dearly loved by his brothers, Ryan, 15, and Sean, 10, and was very close to his mother.

"We'd have our differences like all families do," Mr McLennan said. "But he'd be back five minutes later with a smile on his face wanting to know what was going on. He never held a grudge."

Mr McLennan said he didn't want anyone blamed for the accident.

"Those boys [who were with James that night] are doing it really tough," Mr McLennan said.

"And their families are doing it tough."

The driver of the utility has been charged with drink-driving and will face court next month.

© 2009 Newcastle Herald

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