Teammates, coaches and friends attend vigil for Sophia Naismith, killed in weekend crash

Sophia Naismith, the schoolgirl who was killed in a tragic crash on the weekend, was remembered by hundreds of teammates, coaches and friends at an emotional vigil in her honour.

Hundreds of teammates, coaches and friends of a teenage girl killed in a tragic crash have braved the cold to hold an emotional candlelight vigil in her honour.

Gathered at the beach volleyball courts at Sophia Naismith’s school, a place she had spent many hours practising and playing, the crowd held in a minutes silence in memory of the 15-year-old.

United in grief, the crowd of mourners gathered at the Brighton Secondary School for the 6pm vigil.

Hundreds attended the candle light vigil for Sophia Naismith at Brighton High School. Picture: Brenton Edwards)

Sophia’s parents Pia and Luke, supported by members of the USC Lion Volleyball Club, said they were grateful for the show of support in memory of their daughter.

A spokesman for the volleyball club said the close knit sporting community was grieving the loss of a talented and enthusiastic athlete.

Sophia Naismith was remembered at an emotional vigil on Tuesday evening. PHOTO SUPPLIED BY THE FAMILY

“Sophia will be forever remembered for her tenacious spirit, her uplifting nature, her ability to bring together friendship groups and just make everything better, in every way,” the spokesman said.

“Our Club is but one part of Sophia’s life, and her life was filled with much more than just volleyball alone.

“Tonight is an opportunity for teammates, coaches, parents and supporters to reflect on the sudden and tragic death of a much loved member of our Club and the wider South Australian Volleyball community.”

A section of the large candle light vigil held for Sophia Naismith at Brighton High School on Tuesday evening. Picture: Brenton Edwards

As her favourite songs played, the massed crowd placed candles in the sand in memory of the young woman.

Sophia was killed when a Lamborghini left the road and hit her while she was walking with her best friend on Morphett Rd on Saturday evening.

The driver and owner of the $330,000 sports car was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving and bailed to face court in the coming months.

Hundreds of friends, team mates and classmates of Sophia Naismith gather at a candle light vigil at Brighton Secondary School. @theTiser pic.twitter.com/xJCvzEAELj

— Mitch Mott (@MitchMottTiser) June 25, 2019

Sophia’s friend suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

At the scene of her death friends and fellow students at Brighton Secondary School laid flowers and tributes.

She was remembered as a talented athlete who played netball and volleyball.

Her parents described Sophia, their first born, as the centre of their universe in an emotional family tribute on Monday.