By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A MAN has been charged in relation to the fatal crash that ended 23-year-old Michael Berwick’s life in Beaconsfield last month.
The 22-year-old driver from Officer has been charged with culpable driving, reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous driving causing death and other driving offences.
Michael, a born and bred Pakenham Upper man, and the Officer man were believed to have been travelling north along Brunt Road when their car flipped just after 2.30am on 17 April.There were no other vehicles involved in the fatal accident.
The Officer man has been bailed by police to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 May.
Michael’s parents John and Vicki Berwick and sister Alexandra said learning of their loved one’s death was nightmarish.
“We are still in disbelief and in the process of dealing with something that is every parent’s worst nightmare,” Michael’s father told the Gazette in the days after the accident.
John hopes the “devastating” accident will act as a permanent reminder to others when they get behind the wheel.
“If we were able to have Michael’s death stand for anything, it would be that boys and young adults have a better understanding about how precious life is,” he said.
“We would love for young adults in our community to pause and think about how they might live life more sustainably … living life and making the most of each day but never at the risk of tomorrow.”
Michael has been remembered as a caring and intelligent young man with a bright future ahead.
