Exclusive: WA dad pays tribute after teen daughter dies in car tragedy
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Exclusive: The father of a 15-year-old girl killed in a four-wheel drive rollover in WA's south west says he's struggling to imagine life without her. "I'll never walk her down the aisle, I'll never meet her first child," Greg Bragger said. Caitlyn Bragger died when her unlicensed 16-year-old boyfriend allegedly lost control of a Land Cruiser near Logue Brook Dam on Saturday night. The father of a 15-year-old girl killed in a four-wheel drive rollover in WA's South West says he's struggling to imagine life without her. (Supplied) The vehicle rolled several times at Hoffman, about 150km south of Perth. She was one of six teens in the car. Five others were injured, one of whom had to be cut from the wreck by volunteer firefighters. Four have since been discharged from hospital, while another remains in Royal Perth. "Their lives will go on, mine's just empty," Bragger said. It's understood the group had been on a camping trip to celebrate Caitlyn and her boyfriend's anniversary. Her 47-year-old father, a former army veteran, said nothing in his life had prepared him for the pain of losing his only child. "Ten years in the army, it's nothing compared to this," he said. Caitlyn Bragger died when her unlicensed 16-year-old boyfriend allegedly lost control of a LandCruiser. (Supplied) They shared a close bond, road trips, camping, even flying a Cessna when she was 10. "She had no fear... tell her she couldn't do something, she'd prove you wrong. His final message to her before the trip simply read "Stay safe, and enjoy". Caitlyn's death has devastated the WA community, and a GoFundMe has been launched to help the family. Police are still investigating the crash. Western Australia
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West Australian
17 hours ago
- West Australian
Family gives back after tragic end for missing girl
Pheobe Bishop's family is aiming to give back to a community that rallied around them in their darkest hour. A fundraiser backed by Pheobe's family has been organised to support local volunteer groups in what they hope creates a fitting legacy for the 17-year-old. Pheobe went missing on her way to Bundaberg airport in southern Queensland on May 15. Her housemates James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were charged with her murder on June 6, more than three weeks after Pheobe disappeared. Officers discovered what were believed to be the teenager's remains later that day near a national park, an hour's drive from Bundaberg airport. The community rallied around Pheobe's family, with hundreds attending two emotional candlelight vigils. Family friend Tracey Berends hoped the fundraiser would help return the love. She organised the GoFundMe campaign that has received the family's backing, with money to be raised for local volunteer and not-for-profit groups. More than $7000 had been donated by late Thursday, with the local SES volunteer group and Pheobe's former school set to benefit. "The GoFundMe was created after speaking with Pheobe's family with the sole purpose of supporting local charities and volunteer organisations that were involved in the search for her, particularly the SES," Ms Berends told AAP. "These volunteers worked tirelessly on their hands and knees through difficult terrain and did so without expecting anything in return. "It's important to the family that these selfless efforts are acknowledged and supported in Pheobe's name." Pheobe's former school - the not-for-profit learning centre Y School in Bundaberg that is assisted by volunteers - has also been targeted for the fundraiser. "There is absolutely no financial gain being taken by the family," Ms Berends said. "Their only hope is to create something beautiful and lasting in remembrance of Pheobe, a way to honour her kind, gentle spirit and the impact she had on so many lives." Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson said the fundraiser was a way to acknowledge a school where her daughter thrived as well as the SES volunteers who helped "bring our baby home". "I've even had a few (SES volunteers) approach me with hugs and sorrys that they couldn't get her home sooner to us. They didn't give up and they got her back to us!" she posted on Facebook.
Perth Now
17 hours ago
- Perth Now
Family gives back after tragic end for missing girl
Pheobe Bishop's family is aiming to give back to a community that rallied around them in their darkest hour. A fundraiser backed by Pheobe's family has been organised to support local volunteer groups in what they hope creates a fitting legacy for the 17-year-old. Pheobe went missing on her way to Bundaberg airport in southern Queensland on May 15. Her housemates James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were charged with her murder on June 6, more than three weeks after Pheobe disappeared. Officers discovered what were believed to be the teenager's remains later that day near a national park, an hour's drive from Bundaberg airport. The community rallied around Pheobe's family, with hundreds attending two emotional candlelight vigils. Family friend Tracey Berends hoped the fundraiser would help return the love. She organised the GoFundMe campaign that has received the family's backing, with money to be raised for local volunteer and not-for-profit groups. More than $7000 had been donated by late Thursday, with the local SES volunteer group and Pheobe's former school set to benefit. "The GoFundMe was created after speaking with Pheobe's family with the sole purpose of supporting local charities and volunteer organisations that were involved in the search for her, particularly the SES," Ms Berends told AAP. "These volunteers worked tirelessly on their hands and knees through difficult terrain and did so without expecting anything in return. "It's important to the family that these selfless efforts are acknowledged and supported in Pheobe's name." Pheobe's former school - the not-for-profit learning centre Y School in Bundaberg that is assisted by volunteers - has also been targeted for the fundraiser. "There is absolutely no financial gain being taken by the family," Ms Berends said. "Their only hope is to create something beautiful and lasting in remembrance of Pheobe, a way to honour her kind, gentle spirit and the impact she had on so many lives." Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson said the fundraiser was a way to acknowledge a school where her daughter thrived as well as the SES volunteers who helped "bring our baby home". "I've even had a few (SES volunteers) approach me with hugs and sorrys that they couldn't get her home sooner to us. They didn't give up and they got her back to us!" she posted on Facebook.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘She was the world': Dad's tribute to daughter killed in South West crash
The father of a 15-year-old girl killed in a horror car crash near Logue Brook Dam on Saturday says he is struggling to imagine a life without her. Caitlyn Bragger died when her 16-year-old boyfriend allegedly lost control of a Toyota LandCruiser, police said. Five other teens were also in the car. The driver and a 17-year-old male passenger were taken by St John Ambulance to Bunbury Regional Hospital with serious injuries. The crash happened about 8pm on Scarp Road near the intersection with Hoffman Road, about 150 kilometres south of Perth, police said, with the car leaving the road and rolling several times. Caitlyn died from her injuries at the scene. An 18-year-old male passenger and two 16-year-old female passengers were treated for minor injuries sustained in the crash. Caitlyn's father has spoken out about the loss of his only child, lamenting that he would never experience major life milestones with her. 'I'll never walk her down the aisle, I'll never meet her first child,' Greg Bragger said.
