The family of a 17-year-old girl tragically killed in a suspected hit-and-run incident in Brisbane has shared a heartfelt tribute, expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of their beloved Olivia.
Olivia was reportedly walking along Margate Parade in Margate around 11:30 p.m. when she was allegedly hit by a white Nissan Navara ute. The impact left her with life-threatening injuries.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, Olivia could not be revived and was declared deceased at the scene, marking a devastating moment for her family and community.
The driver, a 58-year-old man from Scarborough, is accused of failing to stop and provide assistance following the collision. Authorities have charged him with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and leaving the scene without offering help.
Denied police bail, the driver is scheduled to appear in Redcliffe Magistrates Court tomorrow to face the charges. This case has drawn significant attention as the community grapples with the tragic loss of a young life.
He was refused police bail and is due to appear at Redcliffe Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Olivia was one month away from her 18th birthday.
Her family has released a statement following the much-loved daughter and sister’s death.
“Olivia was a beautiful and gentle soul, she cared deeply about everyone around her,” the family said.
“She had a way of ensuring everyone she crossed paths felt cared for and understood.
“She loved those close to her with her whole heart and would always be the person to pick up on the small things that make people the way they are, often the things that others would miss.
“She could always tell when someone was having a bad day and would stay with you as long as you needed until she was sure that you were OK.”
The family said Olivia “didn’t realise how loved she was by everyone around her”.
“She never fully realised how beautiful she truly was and never realised how much she touched the people around her,” the family said.
“When Olivia was little she always wanted to grow up, she wanted to play and hang out with the big kids.
“She used to become so excited by their hand me downs.
“She always wanted to be like her sisters but she never understood that it’s them who wanted to be like her.
“She loved listening to Lana Del Ray on her record player and loved to draw.
“Olivia’s favourite colour was pink and she loved her dog more than anything, before she even was sure she was getting a dog she had already saved up all her money and purchased dog toys for him.”
The family said Olivia had been through more challenges in the last two years than most people realise.
“The world had been heavy and unkind to such a tender-hearted soul however she always tried her best to get through it and her resilience became a quiet rhythm in her life, a way for her to remind herself to never give up,” the family said.
“Just as Olivia was getting better, getting her light back, she was taken from us far too soon.”
The investigation continues.
