Cesare Liberatore, 18, was killed in a horror car crash after watching the Socceroos play – friends said he was known for his ‘kind heart, infectious smile, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome’
Tributes have been paid to a “kindhearted” football fan killed in a horror crash after watching a World Cup game. Cesare Liberatore, 18, died after the car he was a passenger in collided with another vehicle on the opposite side of the road in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday.
Two of his friends were left with serious injuries as they made their way home after the Socceroos suffered a 2-0 defeat to the United States, the Herald Sun reports. Cesare’s grandmother, Mary Liberatore said there had been an “outpouring of grief” from the local community who had rallied around to support the family.
“All day they’ve knocked on the door – boys sobbing with flowers in their hands,” she told the publication. I am absolutely gobsmacked. You can tell the measure of a person by the company that they keep. These kids – every one of them – are just beautiful.
“You hear all these bad things about today’s generation. I feel the need to get in touch with the schools to thank them.”
Cesare was a Gladstone Park Secondary College year 12 student and previously attended St Bernard’s College.
In tribute to Cesare, St Bernard’s principal Michael Davies said “our heartfelt prayers are with his family and friends at this time of unimaginable loss”.
“As a college community, we hold all three young men and their families in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.
A GoFundMe set up in honour of Cesare has so far raised almost $50,000. It said the teenager left a “lasting mark on everyone” he met.
“Some people leave a lasting mark on everyone they meet, and Cesare Liberatore was one of those people,” it said.
“He was known for his kind heart, infectious smile, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome. Whether it was through his sense of humour, his generosity, or simply being there for the people he cared about, Cesare brought light into the lives of so many.
“The loss of Cesare has left an unimaginable void in the hearts of his parents, Zarr and Simonetta, as well as his family, friends, teammates, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. This fundraiser has been created to support Zarr and Simonetta during this incredibly difficult time, helping to ease the financial pressures they may face as they honour their son and navigate the difficult months ahead.”
It added: “His kindness, laughter, and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”