Tributes have poured in after the death of Julian Spiteri, a 19 year old law student from Attard who died in a car crash on Sunday, as family and friends mourn his loss.
Spiteri died in a traffic accident in Triq tal-Infetti in Rabat, when he lost control of his Volkswagen Bora and crashed into a tree at around 11AM.
He was accompanied by his friend Matthew Tabone, also 19 and from Attard, who suffered grievous injuries.
Spiteri’s Facebook timeline was flooded with loved ones sharing photos, tributes and memories.
“I’m at a loss for words”, a friend posted. “Your intelligence was insightful, your positivity was contagious and your kindness infectious. Life is cruel, but you were one of the few people I came across that made me think it might not be”.
“There are no words which can express how I feel at this time, apart from heart-broken”, another friend shared. “Having spoken to you just a couple days ago this news has come as a great shock; you were a true friend, whom I will sorely miss”.
“To be honest bud, I'm still in denial. I've been sending private messages to you in the small hope that you'll answer. That this is just one big cosmic prank. But it's not. And I would give anything to just have one more roof time pizza with you”, another friend posted.
“You have always been and will always be an extraordinary man. One I was proud to work alongside and one I was honoured to call a friend”, the post continued.
Spiteri was in his second year studying law at the University of Malta.
The European Law Students' Association (ELSA) expressed their condolences about Spiteri’s sudden death.
“ELSA Malta is saddened by the passing of law student, Julian Spiteri, following a car accident that took place this morning. Our sincerest condolences and sympathy go out to his family and friends”, it wrote.
The Malta Law Students' Society similarly shared their condolences.
“GħSL would like to publicly express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Julian Spiteri, a fellow and active law student, in this extremely difficult time”, it wrote.
Both organizations also sent their well-wishes to Tabone and wished him a speedy recovery.
Spiteri also played for amateur football team Balluta Barracudas FC, who also expressed their sorrow over Spiteri’s passing.
“It is impossible for us to put words to the emotion and grief all of us are feeling right now. Julian Spiteri blessed whoever he met with his charm, wit, compassionate nature, intelligence and do it all approach to life”, it wrote. “To this, we mourn his death in the way he would have wanted; as a celebration of the extraordinary man he was and will continue to be in our hearts and minds forever”.
“Rest in peace Julian, never to be forgotten”, the post concluded.
It is impossible for us to put words to the emotion and grief all of us are feeling right now. Julian Spiteri blessed...
Posted by Balluta Barracudas FC on Sunday, April 18, 2021
Magistrate Nadine Lia is leading a magisterial inquiry on the incident, while police investigations are ongoing.