‘He would always make you smile’: Cousin’s tribute

GROWING up beside Reece Williams was full of laughter, motorbike riding and cousin rivalry but Martika Eynon will cherish every memory as she celebrates the life of the young man taken too soon.

The 19-year-old was among about 50 people who celebrated Reece's life on Tuesday at a roadside memorial where he was killed in a horror crash early the same morning.

Reece's car hit a culvert on Hervey Range Rd and it flipped, trapping him inside the vehicle.

Ms Eynon said Reece's death had not set in after their friendship group spent hours at the site of his death.

They erected a small white cross and hung up bright-coloured shirts in a nearby tree to honour their mate.

The crowd shared stories of their favourite memories, sang and toasted a few beers together responsibly, despite drawing the attention of police who monitored the large crowd.

"It doesn't feel real," Ms Eynon said.

"I woke up in the middle of the night and remembered that he was gone."

The pair grew up in Townsville and had enjoyed what would be their last night out in Flinders St together just a few months ago.

Ms Eynon said she will cherish Reece's motorbike helmet as a reminder of their happy childhood.

"He was the shyest man, but became so confident and could always make you smile," she said.

Ms Eynon will join another large gathering on Friday at the Bohle Barn to celebrate Reece's life.