P-plater is charged over a fatal Christmas Eve crash that claimed the life of his 18-year-old passenger after police tried to pull the car over for speeding
- Nicholas Hoenselaars, 18, was killed in a horror car crash on Christmas Eve
- He was a passenger in a car that was allegedly speeding away from police
- The 18-year-old driver ploughed into a power pole after the alleged speeding
- Both teenagers were thrown from the car but Mr Hoenselaars died at the scene
- The driver has since been charged with nine offences and was refused bail
A P-plater has been charged after the car he was driving smashed into a power pole on Christmas eve - tragically claiming the life of his teenage passenger.
The 18-year-old was driving his Mitsubishi Lancer along Eastwood Road in Leppington, south-west Sydney, on Thursday night with Nicholas Hoenselaars, 18, in the front seat.
Police say they tried to stop the allegedly speeding car around 11.20pm and a short pursuit was carried out before the Mitsubishi ploughed into the pole, sending both teenagers flying.
Tragically, Mr Hoenselaars was killed, while the driver was sent to hospital with arm injuries and for mandatory testing.
The teen driver was charged with nine offences including dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving, and being in a police pursuit and not stopping.
Nicholas Hoenselaars, 18, was killed after the car he was a passenger in smashed into a power pole on the night of Christmas Eve
Police allegedly tried to stop the car before it ploughed into a power pole on Eastwood Road in Leppington, south-west Sydney, on Thursday night
His license was suspended and he was refused bail to appear in court on Saturday.
One charge alleged the 18-year-old was speeding up to 45km over the speed limit.
Tributes have since poured in for Mr Hoenselaars who was a much loved soccer player.
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Emotional photos show friends and family visiting the site where the beloved teenager died.
'Just not something you wanna hear on any day let alone Christmas Day... still in shock. Today losing one of my childhood best mates will always be one of the hardest days,' a friend shared online.
Friends are seen visiting the site where Mr Hoenselaars died after the horror car crash
Meanwhile football clubs Mr Hoenselaars had been apart of paid their respects to the young player, coach and referee.
'Nicholas had a massive soft heart who had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed,' the Sydney City Eagles said.
He had been studying to become a school teacher during his first year of university and dedicated his spare time to coaching and refereeing the younger teams at his football club.
A GoFundMe page has since been created to help his family in the wake of his tragic death.
So far, more than $12,000 has been raised.
The 18-year-old had been studying teaching during his first year of university and was a beloved footballer, referee and coach
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