Port Douglas in mourning after fatal crash victim identified as Shanti Wren, 27
Shattered friends of an adored Far North woman killed in a motorcycle crash have given heartbreaking tributes to a “girl with the biggest heart” who “lived 100 lives in one.” LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE
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UPDATE: Shattered friends of an adored Far North woman cut down in her prime after a fatal motorcycle crash have given heartbreaking tributes to a “ray of sunshine” who “lived 100 lives in one.”
Port Douglas is still coming to grips with the death of Shanti Wren, 27, after she was thrown off a motorcycle on Barrier Street on Wednesday night.
The business and sporting community within the seaside village have been left stunned by the accident, which has resulted in a 31-year-old male being charged following investigations into the crash.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the town and triggered an outpouring of emotion on social media.
Friend Krystie Freyling said Ms Wren would always be remembered “for being the life of the party.”
“You seriously lit up everyone’s lives and always cheered up anyone that needed it,” she said.
“Your name will live on forever, and you will forever be spoken about.
“My heart is so broken.”
The former real estate receptionist and hospitality employee was known as for her beautiful smile and vivacious personality.
“The girl with the biggest heart, personality and the most infectious belly laugh,” said Tarryn Jade.
“My heart is broken for you and the dreams you no longer get to fulfil.
“You lived your life to the fullest.”
Jessie Mawson said his friend was always “living life to the max and dancing your way through it like a boss.”
“You lived 100 lives in one.”
Alice Deutsher said Ms Wren was “unlike any other” and brought joy to all those she met.
“She was adored by everyone and had the most beautiful soul.”
Katie Johnson said she was a “constant ray of sunshine”.
EARLIER: A Far North town has been rocked to its core following the death of a much-loved young woman killed in a horror motorcycle crash.
The tight-knit village of Port Douglas is in shock after Shanti Wren, 27, was identified as the victim of a fatal accident on Barrier Street near Four Mile park.
It comes as the 31-year-old driver of the motorcycle has been charged following investigations into her death.
The man, from Port Douglas, was bailed to appear in the Mossman Magistrates Court on March 23 to face charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while affected by an intoxicating substance, drink driving and unlicensed driving.
The well-liked and admired Ms Wren, a former hospitality and real estate worker, had “touched a lot of lives” in the coastal township whose residents are still coming to terms with the tragedy.
Port Douglas Police station Officer in Charge Damien Meadows said the community had been left “rattled” following the incident.
“She touched a lot of lives and was a very positive person,” he said.
“It has rattled a lot of people.”
The incident occurred in front of a popular Port Douglas restaurant on Wednesday at around 6pm.
Police from the Forensic Crash Unit have been at the scene this morning investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The 31-year-old driver and Ms Wren were thrown from the bike after negotiating a corner, with the woman transported to Mossman Hospital by paramedics.
She had sustained critical injuries and later died in hospital.
Former employer and Century 21 Port Douglas co-owner and principal, Phil Holloway, said Ms Wren’s death had come “as a great shock to everyone that has known her.”
“She worked as our receptionist for quite a while and only left us around five or six months ago,” he said.
“She had a lovely manner about her and was well liked by everybody, and well known around the town too.
“It has come as a great shock to everyone that has known her.
“Our condolences go out to the family, we know her Dad quite well and it’s just so tragic what has happened.”
Iron Bar restaurant owner and former employer, Shane Loughnan, said her death had shaken the town.
“I am shocked. She was a such a great girl,” he said.
“It’s hard to believe, it is a real shock to the system and I think everyone is a bit the same with it.
“It’s hard to come to terms with (because) we are talking about a beautiful normal everyday girl who was so well liked.”
Sergeant Meadows said he expected the tragedy to have a “profound impact” in the coming days.
“We haven’t had a lot of fatal traffic accidents up here for quite some time, especially in Port Douglas itself,” he said.
“This one is right in our face and right at home.
“It is having a profound effect on the local community and there are a lot of people in pain.
“She was someone who was so dear to so many people.”
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