The family of a teenager who tragically lost her life after being struck by a vehicle on Monday night has paid tribute to her, remembering her as a “gentle soul” who deeply cared for those around her.
Seventeen-year-old Olivia met with the unfortunate accident on Margate Parade in Redcliffe, approximately 41 kilometers north of Brisbane, at around 11:27 p.m. Monday night.
According to Queensland Police, reports indicated that a white ute was involved in the incident, striking the young girl.
The driver is alleged to have fled the scene following the accident. Subsequently, police have apprehended a 58-year-old man in connection with the incident, although formal charges have not yet been filed.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Olivia suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite their efforts to revive her with CPR, she sadly could not be saved.
In the wake of this devastating event, Olivia’s family released a heartfelt statement on Tuesday. They described her as someone who had a unique ability to make everyone she encountered feel cherished and understood.
‘Olivia was a beautiful and gentle soul, she cared deeply about everyone around her,’ the statement said.
‘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.
Olivia was just a month shy of her 18th birthday when she was killed in a car crash on Monday night near Brisbane
‘She 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.’
Olivia grew up wanting to be like her sisters and loved listening to Lana Del Rey on her record player.
Her family said she loved her dog and had saved up to buy toys for the pet before she even knew she was getting one.
She was only a month away from her 18th birthday when she was killed.
‘Olivia had been through more challenges in the last two years than most people realise,’ her family said.
‘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.
”Just as Olivia was getting better, getting her light back, she was taken from us far too soon.’
On the night of the fatal crash, Olivia had become separated from her group of friends and asked a local if she could borrow a phone charger before she was hit by the ute, the Courier Mail reported.
The road where Olivia died on Monday night
Acting Chief Superintendent district officer for Moreton District Tom Armitt said police are urging anyone who saw the incident to come forward.
‘It’s a significant incident and it’s a serious matter. Our investigation will be relentless, and if you are hearing this message, please come forward and please assist us with the inquiries,’ he said.
‘At this time, the QPS have been in touch with her family, and investigations are occurring as to the circumstances of the hit-and-run accident.’
Local Ann Daunt was in bed when she heard a ‘thump’ outside.
‘I’ve come out and I’ve seen a white car flying along Margate Parade past the school,’ she told the publication.
‘I’ve gone down to see this beautiful 17-year-old girl lying in the middle of the road with head injuries.’
Ms Daunt said Olivia’s friends arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and were wondering why she was on the street.
‘At that stage they believed she was OK, but she’d already passed. Seeing a young girl hearing that her friend is gone is devastating,’ she said.
