44 lives have been lost on South Australian roads so far this year, #9 was sassy daughter Kayla Wright

When Stacey Wright heard a knock at her door in the middle of the night, she had no idea what would come next would change her life forever.

Kayla Wright lost her life after falling from her push bike in February. Picture: Supplied by family,

• INTERACTIVE: The lives lost on SA roads

It was a knock at the door no family should ever have to receive.

Kayla Wright was away with two friends and on her way back to the Airbnb when she came off her push bike.

In the middle of the night a police officer knocked on the door of her parents’ Onkaparinga Hills home and informed them of their daughter’s crash.

“Kayla had been flown from Clare Hospital to the Royal Adelaide Hospital,” her mum Stacey Wright told The Advertiser.

“(She) fought so hard before passing away four days later.

“Kayla had family and friends around her the whole four days – the hospital called it a freak accident as to the injuries Kayla sustained.

“Our heart aches with knowing Kayla will never walk through the door again.”

Kayla Wright lost her life four days after falling from her push bike in February 2024. Picture: Supplied by family

Kayla Wright (right) with her brother Kyle and his partner Jean. Picture: Supplied by family

Ms Wright said when she found the police at her door she never thought the reason would be Kayla.

“When I opened the door they asked for my husband, they didn’t want to speak to me,” she said.

“He went to the front door and they told him and I was just blank, it can’t be true.”

Both Ms Wright and her husband Paul Wright, Kayla’s father, rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital to meet their daughter.

On the way they called their son, Kayla’s brother Kyle, who had moved to the UK a week prior to be back with his partner.

“They caught a plane back and they were for the last two days before she passed,” Ms Wright said.

“They were really close, they were best mates Kayla and Kyle, which makes it even harder.”

In the days when Kayla was in hospital fighting for her life she was in an induced coma.

“I kept saying to the doctors, please don’t give up on my daughter, she’s strong,” Ms Wright said.

“She might be little but she’s strong.”

Kayla Wright (red dress) with her family, far left, Paul, her dad, her grandmother, uncle Trevor, brother Kyle, grandfather, and mum Stacey. Picture: Supplied by family

The 30-year-old was the ninth life lost in 2024 following her crash on February 5 — another 35 have followed bringing the road toll to 44 at the half way mark of the year.

“Kayla was sassy, unique, fashionable, loved a good party and had a heart of gold,” her mum said.

“Kayla was full of life and lived life to the fullest. (She) was always there for her family and friends when needed … regardless of what was going on in her life.”

She loved fashion, interior design, travelling, wineries, pottery, but most of all spending quality time with family and friends.

Kayla had recently moved back home with her parents to care for her mum who was diagnosed with cancer.

“She would take me to all my appointments,” Ms Wright said.

Kayla Wright moved in with her parents to care for her mother Stacey who was diagnosed with cancer. Picture: Supplied by family,

Kayla’s family’s hearts are shattered since her passing. Picture: Supplied by family,

Ms Wright told her daughter in her final days how much she loved her and how proud she was that she was her daughter.

“I told Kayla … she will never ever be forgotten,” Ms Wright said.

“The presence Kayla would bring into every room … such an incredible soul. Kayla’s amazing smile, which would light up a room.

“We miss hugs from Kayla, we miss our darling daughter.”

Almost five months on, Ms Wright said Major Crash was still not sure what happened to Kayla or how she sustained her injuries but said “we want to let everyone know the importance of wearing a helmet”.

Ms Wright said Major Crash was still not sure what happened to Kayla to sustain her injuries. Picture: Supplied by family

“You never know the last time you will see a loved one, so cherish every moment,” Ms Wright said.

“Our hearts are shattered.

“It’s been four months since we lost Kayla and it still feels like yesterday.

“We miss Kayla all the time, every second, every minute, every hour of every day.

“Our lives will never be the same without Kayla.

“Kayla’s kindness and smile has changed everyone’s life.”

The Emu Hotel, where Kayla Wright worked, painted a mural in her honour. Picture: Supplied by family

Kayla was born on October 13 1993. She died on February 9 2024. She was 30 years old.

She is survived by her partner Daniel, mum Stacey, dad Paul, brother Kyle, grandma Kaye, grandad Steven, uncle Trevor, Kyle’s partner Jean and her loving family and friends.

The Emu Hotel had a mural painted of Kayla in their beer garden in memory of her, while the Port Noarlunga Football Club wore black armbands in her honour, as did the Redbacks.

A friend of Kayla’s is also releasing a bottle of red in Kayla’s memory.