Family’s heartbreaking message as girl, 17, is hit and killed by a white ute in alleged hit-and-run: Man, 58, arrested
The family of a teenager who was killed after she was hit by a ute on Monday night have described her as a ‘gentle soul’ who ‘cared deeply about everyone around her’.
Olivia, 17, was hit on Margate Parade in Redcliffe, 41km north of Brisbane, around 11.27pm on Monday.
Queensland Police received reports that a vehicle, believed to be a white ute, had struck the teenager.
The driver left the scene after the crash, police allege, but a 58-year-old has since been arrested.
Officers found the girl with life-threatening injuries and attempted CPR but she was declared dead at the scene shortly afterwards.
The family released a statement on Tuesday, saying Olivia had a way of ensuring everyone she crossed paths felt cared for 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
The road where Olivia died on Monday night
‘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.
She was only a month away from her 18th birthday.
‘She was a much-loved daughter and sister and will be missed truly,’ the family said.
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.
Acting Chief Superintendent district officer for Moreton District Tom Armitt said police wanted 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.
‘What we do know is that we believe that a white utility was involved in the matter. It is currently under investigation by Redcliffe CIB, and we are following up leads and inquiries, but at this stage, we haven’t located that vehicle or that person.
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 said.
‘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.
