Quiet achiever

By Tania Martin
MONBULK was rocked to its core last week following the death of one of its rising stars – Alex Webb.
The 12-year-old from Baynes Park Road in Monbulk bled to death shortly after 5.30pm on Thursday (17 July) when he came off his bike in a BMX accident.
The upcoming Sherbrooke Ranges soccer star was riding his bicycle on makeshift mud ramps at Monbulk Reserve near David Hill Road when he landed awkwardly and was impaled on the handlebars of his bike.
Ambulance crews described it as a freak accident.
One of Alex’s former teachers and Monbulk Primary School, principal Ray Yates, said Alex had practised at the town’s BMX Park a hundred times before.
His parents, Leo and Karen, were called to the scene and were there when their son died.
“I don’t think Karen or Leo would have liked it any other way,” Mr Yates said.
Mr Yates said it was an even bigger tragedy because Alex had found out on the morning of his death that he had made the under 14s state soccer team.
“He loved his bike and it was his second passion to soccer,” he said.
Alex was a school captain at Monbulk Primary School last year and was known as a humble and quiet achiever.
Mr Yates said the Monbulk College student had a shy smile and was always determined and focussed.
“He was the sort of child that as a teacher you would want as your own,” he said.
Mr Yates was shocked when several kids ran to the school for help last Thursday.
But he sensed that it was serious and rang Alex’s father and urged him to get down to the park straight away.
Teacher John De Coite ran to Alex’s aid and cradled him in his arms until help arrived. “It was almost surreal, we couldn’t quite believe it,” Mr Yates said.
Paramedic Gary Robertson said Alex sustained significant abdominal injuries.
Despite the efforts of two ambulance officers and three MICA paramedics, Alex was unable to be revived after more than 45 minutes and died at the scene.
“He lost a lot of blood and his body shut down and his heart stopped,” Mr Robertson said.
Despite the traumatic death, Mr Robertson said it was likely that Alex didn’t suffer as he would have lost consciousness straight away.
Monbulk College principal Margaret Uren said students had been saddened by Alex’s death and were undergoing counselling.
Ms Uren said Alex was a very popular student and well liked by everyone.
Alex’s coach and Sherbrooke Ranges Junior Soccer Club secretary David Ceeney said everyone was still in a state of shock. Mr Ceeney said Alex was a wonderful boy and a great goal keeper.
“He was very gentle and on top of that he had the determination to achieve,” he said.
“He (Alex) was always training and putting in on the pitch.”
Mr Ceeney said although Alex was big for his age he was gentle and well respected by everyone.
“He was a gentle giant,” he said. As a mark of respect the club held a minute silence before each match on the weekend and Alex’s match was cancelled.
Mr Ceeney said it was such a tragedy especially because Alex was very excited about making the state team.
“He was so excited and even lined up some new goal keeper gloves.”
“Alex just loved his soccer and we are going to miss him,” Mr Ceeney said.
His funeral will be held on Thursday at Lilydale Memorial Park at 3pm.