‘I don’t know how we will bear not to see your beautiful smiling face every day’: Macey Inglis’ family left devastated following fatal crash

The Bordertown family of Macey Inglis, who tragically died in a car crash on Monday morning, have spoken publicly for the first time. Read their heartbreaking tribute.

A friend of Macey Inglis says she will carry an Australian flag in honour of her friend at the Penola event tribute, who loved to do so at the grand entry at rodeos. Picture: Supplied

The family of a 20-year-old Bordertown woman who died following a fatal crash just over the border in Victoria have spoken about their painful loss.

Macey Inglis was driving along Casterton-Naracoorte Rd in Langkoop, near Naracoorte, on Monday after her car left the road and rolled just after 7.30pm.

Gathered at Macey’s mother’s Bordertown home on Tuesday, family and close friends came together to support one another, wishing they could see and hear from ‘Macey Moo’ one last time.

Macey’s little sister Ebony Steele said she would forever cherish all their moments together.

“You were my biggest role model teaching me fashion, sassiness — teaching me to ride barrels and much more,” she said.

The family of beloved rodeo rider Macey Inglis has opened up and paid loving tribute to the 20 year-old girl they tragically lost. Picture: Supplied

Macey Inglis has been remembered in a loving tribute after tragically died in a fatal crash in Langkoop. Picture: Supplied Facebook

Macey’s mother Cath Steele, husband Adrian as well as Macey’s brother and sisters Dustin and Ebony spoke lovingly in a joint statement to the Messenger.

“To our dearest most precious, beautiful kind soul Macey Jean,” they said.

“Our hearts are broken and I don’t know how we will bear not to see your beautiful smiling face every day.

“Loved so deeply forever and always beautiful girl.”

Extended family members – uncle Col, aunty Trish and cousins Romy, Sam, Taye and Maddy – also remembered Macey as a girl with “the biggest smile” who was “embedded” in their hearts.

With a smile that “lights up a room” her aunt Sheridan and Andrew Rowett said they missed their niece “more than words can say”.

Macey Inglis will be honoured at the Penola rodeo on January 21. Picture: Supplied Facebook

Family and friends have described Macey’s infectious smile and personality as “truly one of a kind”. Picture: Supplied

Cousin Alysia Young and friend Tahlia O’Sullivan wished they could hear her “honk hello” just once more.

“Your infectious smile and personality was truly one of a kind,” Ms Young said.

“Memories from our late-night chats, messing around at work and horse rides will always stay in our hearts,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

Macey’s nan and pop also wished to hear their granddaughter’s voice just once more to ask: “What you doing Nan? What you doing pop?”.

Close friend and fellow rodeo competitor Shania Willemsen, who saw Ms Inglis just one hour before her tragic passing, spoke tearfully of their last moments together.

“On Monday morning she came in and woke me up at 6am gave me a hug and kiss and said goodbye — I wish I had never let her go,” she said.

“We were meant to be heading to a rodeo next weekend at Penola together. So I just said to drive safe and I’ll see you next weekend.”

Ms Willemsen said she would still be heading to the January 21 Penola event and was planning a special tribute for her friend.

Remembered as “forever a cowgirl”, friends and loved ones have been encouraged to wear turquoise, her favourite colour.

Ms Willemsen will carry an Australian flag in tribute in honour of her friend who loved to do so at the grand entry at rodeos.