25 years on: Darren Millanes family share their ongoing heartbreak over his death

EXCLUSIVE: DARREN Millane’s mother says her heart remains broken nearly 25 years after the death of the Collingwood champion.

Denise Millane has opened up about the toll on her family since her son was killed in a drunken car smash at the height of his footballing powers.

“You are not supposed to bury your children,” she said.

“You do deal with it. You have to. You have no alternative.

“Darren wouldn’t want us to stop living our lives.”

Millane died when his car ran into the back of a truck on Queens Road, Albert Park in October 1991.

His blood alcohol content was 0.322, more than six times the legal limit.

Mrs Millane told the Sunday Herald Sun the criticism of her son that followed his death hurt the family.

“He paid the price,” she said. “Of course, all of his family paid it, too ... But the one thing I’m thankful for is that he never took anyone else with him.”

Mrs Millane’s home is stacked with memorabilia and she says the memories of her son remain fresh.

She wants her son’s revered No. 42 retired in the hope that another Millane will one day have the chance to don the number.

A Sunday Herald Sun special report to mark the anniversary of the death of the Collingwood champion.

READ MORE: THE DEATH OF A COLLINGWOOD CHAMPION - 25 YEARS ON

Originally published as 25 years on: Darren Millane’s family share their ongoing heartbreak over his death

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