Kimberley Pursche remembered after Lincoln Gap tragedy

The sister of a “community champion” who died in a shocking double tragedy this week says the world has lost a “presence you can’t go without”.

Fatal crash victim Kimberley Pursche with her pet dog. Picture Supplied

The grief-stricken sister of crash victim Kimberley Pursche has paid tribute to her on behalf their heartbroken family.

Samantha Forsyth, 43, from Mitcham, said Kimberly was her “best friend,” following the tragic two-car crash on the Lincoln Hwy on Wednesday morning.

“She was my ride and die, that’s how we described each other, and she was a second mum to my children. She was there for the birth of my kids,” Ms Forsyth said.

“We were like ying and yang, she was the camping to my hotel – she was just a presence you can’t go without in this world.

“She loved camping and being in the country and exploring the Flinders Ranges and the Outback … and I’m all about … not doing that.”

Ms Forsyth said they even got matching tattoo on their arms to symbolise their bond and free-spirited personalities.

“She was a free spirit and she just loved people, animals, and every piece of this earth – she had so much respect and love for the universe itself and everything in it,” she said.

Ms Forsyth said the Pursche family consisting of parents Denise, 70, and Ashley, 72, and siblings Aaron, 45 and Ben, 41, “loved each other so much” and were still processing the loss of their youngest family member.

“As a family house, we’ve taken a moment to reflect that some families look back with regret,” she said.

Fatal crash victim Kimberley Pursche, centre. Picture Supplied

“But we have the luxury of looking back with nothing but joy in our hearts for what she gave us. We were blessed to have her every day.”

The close-knit family spent as much time as possible together, and Ms Forsyth said she fondly remembers the times her sister would take her niece, Skylar, “out for drives, coffees and to just hang out.”

“My favourite memory is when she came down to Adelaide, and around midnight we were walking down Rundle Mall,” she said.

“She paid a busker to sing a Fleetwood Mac song so we could sing and dance in the room.”

As Ms Forsyth remembered the effect Ms Pursche had on many lives across the state, she said she was extremely thankful for the “outpouring of love from the community all the way from Ceduna to Port Lincoln.”

Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network chair Kimberley Pursche died in a crash at Lincoln Gap on Wednesday.

“When we would go get our nails done, we would get approached by people who she helped and they just wanted to hug her and tell her how they’re going and how she impacted their lives,” Ms Forsyth said.

Although Ms Pursche did not leave behind any children, Ms Forsyth said her sister considered her pets as “her kids.”

“Bear died last year, and she had an amazing connection with Bear, but she also had Buff, Indie and Sophie and Ellie her cat,” she said.

“There are people who’ve lent a hand, so we’ve got them covered for her.”

Ms Forsyth said the pair had briefly worked together at the Department of Child Protection before they began their respective roles at CentaCare Catholic Country SA.

The Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network, of which Ms Pursche was chair, paid heartfelt tribute on Thursday afternoon for their “dear friend, beloved chairman and inspiring suicide prevention warrior.”

“She was a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to us all, and we are forever grateful for the time we shared with her,” a Facebook post said.

“Those who had the pleasure of meeting Kimberley who knew her as a shining light whose infectious warmth and compassion could light up any room.

Kimberley Pursche. Picture Supplied

Kimberley Pursche. Picture Supplied

The organisation remembered Ms Pursche as a warrior who made a strong impact on the lives around her.

“Kimberley’s work as a suicide prevention warrior was truly remarkable, and her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched and the countless hearts she healed.

“Let us honour her memory by continuing to work towards the cause she so passionately championed, and by reaching out to one another in times of need.”

Ms Pursche had worked as a social worker for more than 12 years, became a training co-ordinator at CentaCare Catholic Country SA and responded for their Employee Assistance Program.

Chief executive of CentaCare Catholic Country SA Dr Jen Clearly also made a heartwarming tribute on Tuesday on behalf of colleagues to Ms Pursche.