As a country town in northern NSW mourns the loss of two teenage boys who died in a car crash, a mother is grieving the death of a young son for the second time in five years.
Tenterfield teens, named in the media as Zak Sweetman, 18, and Luke Smith, 16, died on Saturday night when the ute they were travelling in crashed at Glen Aplin in southwest Queensland, just 45km from their hometown.
Two other teens in the car were injured and taken to hospital.
Friends and family have paid tribute to Zac and Luke, who was a Tenterfield High School student, on social media.
"It's heartbreaking seeing my family and in-laws devastated and not being able to do a thing to help, but it's comforting to know they have a whole town full of love to support them. RIP Zak & Luke xo ," Amanda Condrick said on Facebook.
It's not the first time the regional town with a population of about 3000 has been struck by tragedy.
Five years ago Zac's big brother Brendan died, aged 17, after he jumped into a waterhole at NSW's Boonoo Boonoo National Park.
Brendan's motto, 'One life, one chance', was adopted by his younger brother.
"Rest in piece (sic) Zakky Sweetman! I'm sure Brendan Sweetman will be looking after you up there. One Life, One Chance," Sarah Musumeci said on Facebook.
Therese Sweeney wrote: "Another angel gone to (sic) soon Zakky Sweetman. Brendan will have his arms wrapped around him now and forever. Love to you all xxx."
A GoFundMe page for the Sweetman family has raised more than $2000.
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