Latest news with #MekaylaCowcher
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Caitlyn Bragger, 15, was killed in a crash that injured five other teens travelling in a 4WD when it rolled south of Perth
A 15-year-old girl who was killed in a 4WD that rolled on the weekend has been remembered as an angel who brought sunshine with her everywhere she went. Caitlyn Bragger, 15, was a passenger in a Toyota Landcruiser carrying five other teenagers when it rolled off Scarp Rd in Hoffman, 150km south of Perth, about 8pm on Saturday. Volunteer firefighters freed one of the passengers who was trapped in the wreckage. The 16-year old male driver and a 17-year-old male passenger were seriously injured in the crash and were rushed to Bunbury Hospital. Three other passengers were treated for minor injuries. The group had been camping nearby when the crash occurred with witnesses saying the car had been crushed like a tin can. 'It was scary to see,' one man said. Family friend Mekayla Cowcher paid tribute to the 15-year-old girl 'gone way too soon' and setup a fundraiser to help the family with funeral costs. She said Caitlyn's family were left broken, lost and confused. '(Caitlyn was) known for her kindness, unique sense of humour, and devotion to her family and friends,' she said. 'She bought a ray of sunshine everywhere she went, so outgoing and never left a dull moment in life. ' No one ever expects something like this to happen, you can't prepare yourself. 'We never expected to say goodbye to her beautiful soul so soon. 'Forever 15, forever in our memory and hearts. Our Angel In Heaven.' WA's road toll has reached 87 lives, the highest number of deaths in more than a decade. Premier Roger Cook told media it was an unacceptable figure that could be prevented it people did everything they could to keep themselves and others safe on the road. The premier said they were looking at what was working in other states and overseas and what technology was available to keep roads safer. 'That's why we've got our deep dive into our road safety measures at the moment, reviewing what else we can do as a government,' he said. Shadow Road Safety Minister Julie Freeman said it was a heartbreaking and unacceptable milestone. 'Regional road deaths continue to make up a disproportionate share of the toll,' she said. 'These are our communities. We're on the ground, we're working with regional organisations, and we need to be part of finding solutions. 'We need a coordinated, bipartisan effort to turn this around, because too many lives depend on it.'
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
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.
