Paddle out held in memory of alleged hit and run victim Tash Raven
Tears have fallen and flowers have been scattered in the waters off Hervey Bay as a paddle out was held in memory of alleged hit and run victim Tash Raven. PHOTOS, VIDEO
Fraser Coast
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The Hervey Bay community has united in grief, gathering at a paddle out for alleged hit and run victim Tash Raven in which tears were shed and flowers scattered across the ocean in her memory.
Hundreds of people gathered at Torquay beach on Sunday, some bringing paddleboards and some content just to stand by the shore and reflect on the life of the much-loved mum and community volunteer.
Her friend Sara Ashdown, Fraser Coast Stand Up Paddle Board Club president, said spending time out on the water had been a source of healing for both of them.
It had been a hobby Ms Raven had only just discovered, but one she’d really enjoyed, Ms Ashdown said.
So it made sense to farewell her friend in the chilly but calm waters of the bay, which had once provided her many hours of comfort.
Some placed rocks that had been decorated in her honour along the beach and others released flowers into the bay.
Those who had brought paddle boards formed a circle while out in the water before raising their paddles in honour of Ms Raven.
Last Sunday, about 12am, Ms Raven was walking home from a night out when she was allegedly struck by a driver on Boundary Rd in Urangan.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she died at the scene.
On Wednesday 41-year-old Urangan man Brett David Eddy faced court charged with manslaughter, dangerous operation of a vehicle, driving of a motor vehicle without a driver’s licence and driver fail to exhibit proper respect to deceased showing callous disregard for the needs of a person.
He did not apply for bail and the matter was adjourned until July 25.
Addressing gathered media, Ms Ashdown said it had been a heartbreaking week, but it was incredible to see so many people gathered to honour her friend.
She said the paddle out was taken from a surfing tradition.
“It just means a lot to us that love the ocean and Tash loved the ocean,” she said.
“She was actually learning stand up paddle boarding with me, so it means a lot to us.”
Ms Ashdown said during the paddle out, the group would have a minute of silence for Ms Raven and would bang their paddles in the water to say goodbye before releasing flowers for her.
“The ocean brings a lot of people together and her and I spent a lot of time out here so I thought it was really pertinent to come out here and honour her in this way.”
She said it was “overwhelming” to see so many people turn out.
“It’s touched everyone, it could have been any of us,” Ms Ashdown said.
A GoFundMe page supporting Ms Raven’s 15-year-old son and raising money for her family has quickly raised more than $35,000 in the wake of the incident.
Ms Ashdown said her friend would have “loved” the turnout at the paddle out held in her honour.
“I see her laughing,” she said.
“She would have laughed. That’s her, great sense of humour.
“She loved the ocean and loved having a laugh, and that’s how I remember my friend.
“Big personality and we’ll miss her.”
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