Boy, 14, left orphaned after horror crash

A Melbourne family that has endured years of hardship has been struck by an unimaginable tragedy – the loss of 30-year-old Stacey Singharaj, whose young son has been left an orphan.

Having already lost his father and grandmother, the grieving family has now turned to the community to help protect the future of 14-year-old Bailey.

Stacey Singharaj, who friends described as “the main character”, had been out with friends at the Pink Hill Hotel in Beaconsfield on April 1 when the car she was a passenger in crashed into a tree on Old Princes Hwy.

Two other passengers were treated for injuries and the driver, a 30-year-old Pakenham man, was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with dangerous driving causing death.

At the time of the “freak accident”, Ms Singharaj’s 14-year-old son Bailey was at the footy with his grandfather eagerly rooting for his team, the Tigers.

Upon the duo’s return home, police informed them of the devastating news.

Bailey’s father Zack Nicoll had tragically passed away back in 2016.

Ms Singharaj’s friend of 18 years, Lauren Ross, has since launched a GoFundMe to raise funds for funeral costs and Bailey’s future care following the passing of his only surviving parent.

“Stacey was the one you would go to for everything, she was someone you always listened to,” Ms Hall told NCA NewsWire.

“She had an infectious laugh, was the fashionista of the group, and even after everything she’d been through she offered nothing but kindness.”

Ms Singharaj and her son also lived with her brother and father, the latter of whom was forced into retirement after receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2018.

Her mother Donna was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2010 and passed away in 2015, at which time Ms Singharaj “was forced to step up and run the household”.

Ms Hall remembers the “open and honest” relationship Ms Singharaj and her son shared.

“They were two best friends, they had such a strong relationship,” she said.

“Obviously with all the heartache that’s happened in that family over the years they’ve had to talk about those big things.

“She was the best mum.”

The family has been doing their best to rally and support one another in the wake of the devastating news, leaning on friends and their local community for support.

“We plan to keep Bailey in the family home with his grandfather and uncles,” Ms Hall said.

“There’s a whole village around to make sure everything happens for him.

“He’s a little jokester but with all the tragedy he’s had in his life he holds back.

“We want to make sure Bailey doesn’t have to worry about anything financially.”

So far the family’s GoFundMe page has received 294 donations, raising $30,825 of its $50,000 goal.

Those wishing to donate can find the Singharaj Family’s page on the GoFundMe website.