Ivy-Rose Hughes, killed in McLaren Vale car crash, remembered as a ‘bright spark’ and talented netballer

The death of talented young netballer Ivy-Rose Hughes in a McLaren Vale crash has devastated her entire sporting community.

Ivy-Rose Hughes, 19, was killed in a car accident at McLaren Vale overnight. Picture: Matrics Netball Club

A young woman and talented netballer killed in a car crash on Wednesday night has been remembered as a “star” and a “bright spark” by sporting associations and friends.

Ivy-Rose Hughes, 19, was killed when the Mazda SUV she was a passenger in collided with a Mitsubishi ute on the intersection of Malpas Road and Main Road at McLaren Vale just after 10pm on Wednesday.

Both cars went down an embankment, with the Mazda flipping on its side.

Paramedics and police rushed to the scene but were unable to save Ms Hughes.

The news has rocked the state’s netball community, particularly Ms Hughes’ club, the prestigious Matrics Netball Club.

19 year old netballer Ivy-Rose Hughes was killed in a motor accident at McLaren Vale overnight. Picture: Matrics Netball Club

She played in the Premier League squad and has represented the state playing for the South Australian Institute of Sport (SASI), in the 17 and Under National Championships from 2019 to 2020.

The Matrics Netball Club posted on Facebook, remembering the “bright spark” who was “much loved throughout our club.”

“An incredible netballer and even more incredible young woman, the entire netball community has been saddened by this news,” the post read.

“Our thoughts are with Ivy’s family and loved ones at this time, along with the entire netball family who are feeling the impact of this great loss.”

SASI posted on Facebook on Thursday evening and said it was “devastated by the loss”.

The institute mirrored the Matrics’ post offering condolences to family, friends and the netball community.

Many commented on the posts offering their thoughts and own tributes to the young woman.

Ms Hughes was remembered as a “bright spark”. Picture: Matrics Netball Club

“Such heartbreaking news, simply the kindest young lady I have ever met. RIP precious one.” said one comment.

“I only knew Ivy briefly in primary school, but even that made a lasting impact on me, she is such a nice person, with an amazing personality,” another friend said.

Other comments described Ms Hughes as a “beautiful soul” and “talented young lady who was taken too soon”.

DRIVER AND PASSENGERS INVOLVED IN CRASH RECOVERING

The driver of the Mazda, and three other passengers, were taken to hospital for treatment. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening. The three occupants of the Mitsubishi were also taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

A 19-year-old woman has died while seven others were injured in a horror head-on crash at McLaren Vale. Pictures: Nine News

Seven other people were taken to hospital after the crash. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Major Crash investigators attended the scene to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash. Roads were closed in the area for most of the night but have since reopened.

The woman’s death takes the total lives lost in the state to 15 this year, the same amount as this time last year.

It follows the death of a 23-year-old Norwood man earlier this week at Tarlee in the Mid North. The car left the road and crashed into a tree on the Horrocks Highway on Monday afternoon. He died at the scene.