IT WILL be a sad week in Orange this week, according to mayor John Davis with the city mourning the death of several young men who tragically died recently.
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"We want the families of those young men to know all our thoughts and prayers are with them and the whole of Orange is mourning their loss - they were taken far too soon," Cr Davis said.
"Orange is a strong community and has already shown enormous support for the families, and I am sure it will continue," he said.
This week the funerals of three young men, Mitchell Holloway aged 21, Ethan Hertslet aged 17 and Todd Sligar aged 23, who died in a motor vehicle accident near Trangie will be held on separate days, and the funeral of Lochie Connaughton who died in a motorbike crash in Bali, is also expected to be announced soon.
In a moving tribute to the lives of the deceased young men, Orange musicians Jacob Sutherland, 23, and his sister Atahlia Sutherland, 19, have written and recorded Hold them close, which has been posted on social media.
Jacob Sutherland said he and Atahlia had been inspired to write the piece due to the overwhelming shock and sadness at the loss of so many young lives in Orange.
"Initially we started to write the song after the loss of Terry Brown, but then all these other tragic deaths happened and we just wanted to honour their memories," Mr Sutherland said.
The song has been shared on social media by family, friends and residents to a degree that has surprised the young musicians.
"I wrote the music, and Atahlia and I worked together on the lyrics," said Mr Sutherland.
"We didn't expect so many people to share it and we would like to give a copy to all the families if they would like one," Ms Sutherland said.
"With this song tribute also goes all our love and prayers to the family and friends of each one," said Mr Sutherland.
GoFundMe campaigns has been initiated by family and friends of the young men to help with funeral expenses and to support their families.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au