A teenager killed when a ute smashed into a tree in a late-night crash on the Northern Beaches has been identified, as grieving loved ones lay flowers to form a memorial at the scene.
Cohen Griggs-Bufton, 16, was the front passenger in the Toyota HiLux when it lost control in wet conditions and slammed into a tree on Cabbage Tree Rd, Bayview about 12.20am on Saturday.
Griggs-Bufton was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital but died later on Saturday morning.
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The 17-year-old red P-plate driver was flown to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Four teenage boys in the back seat — one aged 16 and three aged 17 — were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in serious but stable conditions.
Police do not believe there are any further life-threatening injuries at this stage.
Grieving friends gathered at a memorial shrine by the tree later on Saturday, laying flowers and skateboards with messages of love.
Northern Beaches Police commander Patrick Sharkey said the scene was “chaotic” and traumatic, with the boys suffering “serious” crash injuries.
He said the ute was carrying six people but only had seatbelts for five.
“It appears that two of the occupants had been ejected from the vehicle,” he said on Saturday.
Sharkey said police were yet to speak with the driver and passengers to determine the cause of the crash, including whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
“As to where those persons were positioned, whether they were all in the cabin or elsewhere, that is yet to be determined,” he said.
“With six of them in a vehicle and requiring hospitalisation it was quite a serious and lengthy crime scene to be processed.”
Police understand the boys were all friends and were from Sydney’s northern beaches.
– With AAP
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