Father-to-be Will Thornton identified as victim of head-on crash with stolen car in Toolern Vale
An Australian Paralympic medallist has been widowed just weeks before giving birth to a first child after her husband was the innocent victim in a head-on crash with a speeding stolen car.
Will Thornton, 33, was killed instantly when his car was struck on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd in Toolern Vale, northwest of Melbourne, on Sunday morning.
He had recently celebrated his one-year wedding anniversary with wife Madi, who is pregnant with their daughter.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“He was deeply loving family man and his laughter, quick wit and gentle heart left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him,” Will’s family said in a statement to 7NEWS.
“Now Madi is left widowed, to raise a daughter who will never get the chance to know the exceptional man her father was.”
Madi and Will met in 2017 during her international swimming career.
Madi, a veterinary nurse, represented Australia — as Madeleine Scott — at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, winning a silver medal in the 4x100m medley relay, and also won individual Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medals at Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018.
Will, a fitness enthusiast, local athlete and keen sporting fan, was on his way to training with the Melton Wolves gridiron club when he was killed.
“Bill was more than just a player joining our club. He was a brother, a son, a husband, and soon to be a father,” the Wolves said.
“He leaves behind his wife, who is expected to give birth in the coming weeks, and our hearts are broken for them as they face this unimaginable loss.
“Although Bill never had the chance to play a game in purple, he was already part of our Wolfpack. He showed up, he worked hard, and he believed in what we are building. His time with us may have been short, but his impact and his spirit will never be forgotten.
“On behalf of everyone at the Melton Wolves, we ask our community to respect Bill’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Bill. Once a Wolf, always a Wolf.”
Will’s current and former sporting and fitness clubs, including Lalor Football Netball Club and Nunawading Tennis Club, also paid tribute.
A-League club Melbourne City offered its condolences to the Thornton family.
A GoFundMe to support Madi and the Thornton family has so far raised nearly $100,000.
The driver of the stolen car also died in the head-on collision. He has been identified as 29-year-old Brayden Filiti.
Originally published on 7NEWS
