‘Love of my life’: Flinders ICU nurse Lily Galbraith farewelled by partner after horror QLD crash

The shattered partner of a young Flinders nurse had planned on asking a lifechanging question soon – instead, he’s saying goodbye.

Lily Galbraith, 24, (left) died in Legacy Way Tunnel on Wednesday after an ex-cop driving an Audi crashed into the back of her car. She was a passenger in her close friend Emma McLean's car.

The partner of a bright, bubbly 24-year-old Flinders Private Hospital ICU nurse killed in a horrific crash on the way to a wedding in Brisbane was planning to propose to her in just eight months’ time.

Instead, he has said his final goodbye.

Lily Galbraith, originally from Darwin, died on Wednesday after an ex-cop driving an Audi crashed into the back of her car, while her friend Emma McLean, 23, from South Plympton, remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Ms Galbraith’s boyfriend Blayde Brummelhuis and his sister Kieanna made a mercy dash to Brisbane after the crash — but tragically, she died at the scene.

Mr Brummelhuis said his girlfriend would always be “the love of my life, my soulmate, my best friend and my safe place”, saying there wasn’t a day she wasn’t lifting up the people around her.

Every day he spent with Ms Galbraith was “full of laughter and smiles”, he said, remembering her as the “most beautiful girl in every way”.

Lily Galbraith, 24, with her boyfriend Blayde Brummelhuis. Picture: Supplied by family

Mr Brummelhuis said his girlfriend lit up the lives of those around her. Picture: Supplied by family

“You came into my life when I needed you most and you made me the happiest man in the world,” he said.

“I will cherish every second we were together for the rest of time. You are a loving daughter, a beautiful friend and an incredible life partner.

“Many people aren’t lucky enough to have someone like you in their life and I was fortunate enough to call you my future wife. Each day was made better by your beautiful big smile, your gorgeous eyes and your warm hugs.

“You always made sure your family and friends know how loved they are and how much they mean to you.”

Mr Brummelhuis said something “flickered inside of him” when he first saw Ms Galbraith, knowing from the very start that he would marry her one day.

He was planning to propose in January next year.

“Instantly you were the prettiest girl in the world … you became a part of my family and everyone loved you,” he said.

“I will miss our adventures and our lazy days, our highs and lows. I will miss coming home to you every day, the feeling of your leg on mine as we slept and seeing your gorgeous face every morning. I will miss you in every way.

“You somehow made everything a moment I will never forget. The way you made cooking meals together fun, the laughter we had just trying to brush our teeth together and our cleaning days where you knew I wasn’t much help but as long as we were laughing you were happy.

“There aren’t enough words to express who you are and the good you put out into the world.”

Mr Brummelhuis said Ms Galbraith made him a “better man”. Picture: Supplied by family

The young couple “danced in their kitchen” together every night. Picture: Supplied by family

He revealed the special nickname Ms Galbraith gave him – ‘Goose’ – because of the laughter they shared together.

“There is a hole in the world that will never be filled without you here,” Mr Brummelhuis said.

“You made me a better man and I promise to live every day I have to make you proud and do everything in my power to make you smile up there.

“You will forever be my little lady, I know you will always be there watching over us all and keeping us safe.

“I will always remember dancing in our kitchen together every night and the shuffle you would always do because you knew it made me laugh.

“Our love is eternal and we will always be together – so baby girl, this isn’t goodbye, this is just until next time.

“Save me a dance up there.”

Mr Brummelhuis’s sister, Kieanna, said her world was “absolutely shattered” by Ms Galbraith’s death, describing her future sister-in-law as her best friend – who quickly became family – and “the most beautiful ICU nurse who was dedicating her life to helping and caring for others”.

Lily Galbraith (left) and her future sister-in-law Kieanna. Picture: Supplied by family

Mr Brummelhuis was planning to propose to Ms Galbraith in just a few months’ time. Picture: Supplied by family

“She was someone who went out of her way for everyone, but especially anything to help me,” Ms Brummelhuis said.

“When my nana passed away, she drove all the way to Broken Hill with my brother and I just to support us.

“Countless sleepovers, sushi dates and conversations that I would do anything to be able to do again.

“It is an absolute privilege to call you my “future sister in law” and I am so lucky that I will always be able to call you chosen family.”

Ms Galbraith and Ms McLean were travelling together in a silver sedan through a tunnel which links Brisbane’s Western Freeway in the city’s west with the inner-north when a black Audi reportedly doing 200km/h smashed into them at about 3pm.

The impact sent their car colliding into a small truck, according to police.

Witnesses say the black Audi S3 driven by former police officer Bruce Daley, 56, was travelling so fast nearby cars were shaking.

Ms McLean, 23, who became engaged to her boyfriend Harry just three weeks ago, underwent emergency surgery at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for critical injuries on Wednesday evening.

She remains in a serious condition.