Tributes flow for 'angel' teen killed in 4WD rollover in WA's South West
The grief-stricken mother of a 15-year-old girl killed in a four-wheel drive rollover in Western Australia's South West has paid tribute to her daughter, saying her "presence lit up every space".
"I love you, miss you and want to kiss you," Sarah Highwood said.
Caitlyn Bragger died after a four-wheel drive driven by a 16-year-old left the road and rolled several times at Hoffman, 150 kilometres south of Perth, on Saturday night.
Five other teenagers were injured in the crash, one of whom had to be extricated from the wreckage by volunteer firefighters.
Four of the teenagers have since been discharged from hospital, with the fifth transferred to the Royal Perth Hospital.
It is understood the teens were on a camping trip at the nearby Logue Brook Dam.
Ms Highwood told the ABC the loss of her daughter had up-ended her life.
"Life will never be the same."
On a fundraising page set up to support the family with funeral costs, family friend Mekayla Cowcher wrote the Australind teenager was a "ray of sunshine".
"Caitlyn was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, aunty, and friend. She was a ray of sunshine in every room she entered — vibrant, outgoing, and full of life," Ms Cowcher wrote.
"There was never a dull moment with Caitlyn; her presence lit up every space and brought warmth to every heart."
Loved ones have remembered Caitlyn for her unwavering kindness, unique sense of humour, and deep love of family and friends.
"She had a passion for the outdoors, whether it was camping, four-wheel-driving, or spending time at the beach, those moments brought her true joy," Ms Cowcher said.
"Though her time with us was far too short, her spirit will live on in the memories we cherish and the lives she touched.
"Caitlyn's legacy is one of love, laughter, and light — a beautiful soul who will never be forgotten.
"Forever 15, forever in our memory and hearts. Our angel in heaven."
A police investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
UK rapper Yung Filly faces two more rape charges over alleged incident in Perth
A British rapper who allegedly choked and raped a woman while on tour in Australia is facing two more charges over the alleged incident. Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, 29, also known as 'Yung Filly', is accused of sexually abusing a woman in her 20s inside a Perth hotel room in September last year. He was arrested in Brisbane and extradited to Perth on October 9 and charged with eight offences for assault, rape and strangulation. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in the Perth Magistrates Court in March, and the matter was moved to the higher District Court. Mr Barrientos had two additional rape charges added to his indictment that allegedly occurred on the same day as the other offences. He is yet to enter a plea. Mr Barrientos is on bail with strict conditions and a personal undertaking of $100,000. A 10-day trial has been set for July 20 next year.

ABC News
5 hours ago
- ABC News
Perth man faces court charged with sexually assaulting children he was babysitting
A Perth teacher has appeared in court accused of sexually assaulting and indecently recording children he was babysitting. Kurt David Charlton has been charged with one count of sexual penetration of a child under 13, four counts of indecent dealing and four counts of indecently recording a child. Detectives from the child abuse squad say the 28-year-old was providing babysitting services. It's alleged the offences occurred in suburban Perth this year and last year. Mr Charlton has been suspended from teaching since February. He's been granted bail and will appear in court again next month.

News.com.au
7 hours ago
- News.com.au
Cops shoot teenage girl outside Townsville pub
Police have shot a teen girl after she allegedly wielded a knife and made threats outside a Townsville pub. Officers were called to the West End Hotel on Ingham Rd in Townsville, about 1360km north of Brisbane, just before 5.30pm on Tuesday, responding to reports a 17-year-old girl was armed with a knife and making threats. Police allege the girl charged at officers, who shot her in the abdomen. In a statement, police said first aid was immediately provided by the officers before the teenager was transported to hospital for treatment. The girl is reportedly in a stable condition after undergoing surgery. Investigations remain ongoing and a crime scene has been declared. The incident is also being investigated by the Ethical Standards Command.