Harrowing update on two young footy stars fighting for life after out-of-control car pinned them against a wall - as one remains in a coma
- Teens pinned against a wall after car crashed into them
- One remains in a coma in a critical condition
- Rugby league community rallies around families
Two promising rugby league stars who suffered life-changing injuries when a P-plater lost control and slammed into them face uncertain futures.
Lennox-Murphy Gaudin-Kasupene and Eli Thomas Kleidon, both 14, were sitting outside a takeaway store in the Ipswich suburb of Booval, south-west of Brisbane, on Friday afternoon when a Ford Falcon skidded off the road and struck them.
The boys could not get out of the way in time and were pinned against a wall.
The driver and passengers jumped out of the car to try to push the vehicle off the pair, as shocked bystanders rushed to their aid.
Firefighters had to use a winch to free the trapped teens from the wreckage before they were rushed to Queensland Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
A third teenage bystander suffered minor injuries but was not hospitalised, while the Falcon occupants escaped unhurt.
Four days on, Lennox is fighting for life and remains in a coma.
'He is now awaiting multiple surgeries, and even if he pulls through this critical stage, life will look very different for him and for our entire family,' his uncle Brownie To'o wrote online.
Lennox-Murphy Gaudin-Kasupene, 14, is fighting for life and remains in a coma
Eli Thomas Kleidon, 14, also suffered life-changing injuries
A P-plater lost control and slammed into the teens outside a busy takeaway on Friday
'Right now, our family is by his bedside, praying, hoping, and taking each day as it comes.'
Mr To'o described his nephew Lennox as a healthy, active young man with big dreams and a bright future ahead.
'Rugby league wasn’t just a sport to him — it was his passion and his purpose,' a fundraiser set up for the family states.
'He trained hard, showed discipline beyond his years, and was working toward a future in the game he loved.
'Coaches, teammates, and everyone who knows him saw the potential he carried.
'He was an emerging young player with a promising pathway ahead and aiming to set himself up to help his parents financially.
'Now, instead of being on the field, he faces a long and uncertain road to recovery.'
Eli is understood to be in a serious but stable condition.
Both teens were rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries
Firefighters had to use a winch to free the trapped teens pinned against a wall
The horror crash rocked the local, close-knit rugby league community, which has rallied around both teens.
Lennox played for the Goodna Eagles, while Eli represented rival club Norths Tigers.
'On the field, they are teammates to many - determined, resilient, and full of potential. Off the field, they are sons, brothers, friends, classmates, and much-loved members of our community,' a separate fundraiser to help both families states.
'The full extent of their recovery and the financial burden that comes with it is still unknown.'
Goodna Eagles volunteer Anita Cusack told the Courier Mail 'Lennox was going to go a long way in rugby league'.
'Ipswich High were about to approach him, it was meant to be his year,' she said.
'When we found out on Friday, it broke us.'
Queensland Police have launched an investigation into the crash. No charges have been laid as inquiries continue.
Daily Mail understands that police will launch a public appeal later on Tuesday.
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
