At just 20 years of age, already he had bought his own home in Wauchope and was preparing for the future.

An apprentice carpenter, he would drive himself to work each morning.

On Friday morning, he didn’t make it.

Michael was tragically killed in a car accident at Burrawan Forest Dr, Lake Innes.

His passing left a hole in the hearts of many people in the Hastings.

His father Gary Curtis had a few words to share about his son.

“He was ambitious,” Mr Curtis said.

“He bought his own house six months ago and he was working two jobs.

“He was a carpenter during the day and did night packing at Ritchies IGA.”

Mr Curtis said his son was in the process of renovating his house.

“It was all planned for the big picture,” he said.

“It’s just so unfortunate, such a waste.”

Mr Curtis described his son as a man who “had his head screwed on”.

“It’s just a tragedy. A series of circumstances that put him in that position,” he said.

“He had so much going for him.

“He had a wonderful family. His family was everything.”

Michael left behind his father and mother, Gary and Cindy, and three sisters, Olivia, Emily and Alisha.

He also left behind many friends from the Australian Technical College, now Newman Senior Technical College.

“He didn’t go out a lot, but when he had days off he went out with his mates,” Mr Curtis said.

A number of Michael’s friends have left tributes on his Facebook page and on the Port News website.

Mr Curtis also thanked the many people who had passed on their best wishes.

“Thank you for the well wishes. I don’t know what else to say,” he said.

He said a ceremony celebrating Michael’s life would be held this week.