Brett David Eddy charged with manslaughter over alleged hit and run death of Tash Raven
Tens of thousands have been raised for an orphaned teen boy as floral tributes grow in honour of his mum - a beloved businesswoman and community volunteer “taken too soon” by an alleged dangerous driver.
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Almost $30,000 has been raised as a community in mourning rallies around the son of mum and businesswoman allegedly killed in a horrific hit and run.
A floral shine is also growing at the Boundary Rd scene where Tash Raven 43, lost her life at the weekend while walking home from a social event.
The popular nail salon manager and footy club volunteer who also previously managed the Hervey Bay Anytime Fitness gym and hails from Warrnambool in Victoria, leaves behind a 15-year-old son and multitude of friends.
Those close to her have set up a GoFundMe to support her son and a Paddle Out is planned for this coming Sunday in honour of her memory.
Among the hundreds of condolence messages which continued to flood social media on Tuesday, was a touching tribute from David Richards who said the world was “missing someone that will never be replaced”.
“You were one in a universe... always there if any of my/our family were hurting in anyway,” he wrote.
“The strength you gave people. The tender love shown to our kids you have a special bond with each of them.
“As we sit around dumbfounded how and why your time with us is up so suddenly.
“Not one other person I know has ever touched so many people’s hearts.”
Ms Raven was walking home about midnight on Saturday when she was allegedly struck by a silver Ford Falcon on Boundary Rd in Urangan, according to police.
Police allege the driver of the Falcon left the scene, while Ms Raven died of her injuries despite the best efforts of emergency services.
District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Matt Swan said the alleged driver of the Falcon attended Hervey Bay Police Station on Sunday morning.
Brett David Eddy, 41, remains before the courts charged one count each of manslaughter, dangerous operation of a vehicle, driving of a motor vehicle without a driver licence and driver fail to exhibit proper respect to deceased showing callous disregard for the needs of a person injured.
BROTHER LAUNCHES APPEAL FOR TEEN SON LEFT BEHIND
Ms Raven’s Victorian-based brother, Joshua Raven, posted a heartfelt message on a GoFundMe page aimed at raising funds for her funeral and to help her 15-year-old son, Axl.
More than $28,000 from 352 donations had been raised towards the cause.
He said the incident had left his nephew with “no parents left”.
“I’m asking if anyone can help big or small to go towards giving Tash a proper send off and making sure we can support Axl moving forward and help set him up.
“I’m a little lost for words at the moment and just hoping we can get the community around Axl and make sure we can support him as much as possible.”
Ms Raven was the general manager of the Sassy Minx nail salon in Hervey Bay, with the salon expressing its ‘profound sadness’ over her death.
“Tash's unwavering dedication, warmth, and kindness touched each one of us at Sassy Minx,’’ the salon’s team said.
“Her loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and our salon.
“In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out for your support. Tash leaves behind a young son, just 15 years old, who now faces a future without his mother's love and guidance.
‘HOLDING ON BY A THREAD’
“To honour Tash's memory and to support her son, we are collecting donations to help cover the costs of her funeral and to provide financial assistance for her son during this challenging period.
“We also ask for your understanding and respect towards our team, who are deeply devastated by this loss.
“They are doing their best to stay strong and continue serving you, our cherished guests, during this time of mourning.
“Please refrain from prying into the details of this tragedy, as our team members are holding on by a thread.
“In honour of Tash, whose favourite colour was purple, we would love it if you could join us in adding a touch of purple to your attire or nails.
“This small gesture would mean so much to us as we remember and celebrate our beloved friend.
“‘Your compassion and generosity mean the world to us as we navigate through this sorrowful time. Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting Tash’s family.’’ The salon has set up a page for donations.
‘PADDLE OUT FOR TASH’
The Fraser Coast Stand Up Paddle Board Club described Ms Raven as a ‘single mum with a heart of gold’ who was ‘always looking out for others.
“Those of us blessed to know her loved her.
“Tash loved the ocean and came to love SUP, having lessons and spending hours healing and laughing in the ocean.
“With permission we are organising a paddle out this weekend to honour our friend. “We will do a circle, release flowers and send her our love.’’ The paddle out will be held at the Torquay Beach entrance opposite the Hub at 408 Esplanade Torquay at 10.30am on Sunday, June 2.
There will be buckets on the beach for donations.
LOSS OF GYM MUMMA MOURNED
Ms Raven also worked for Anytime Fitness, where she was known as the ‘gym mumma’ and someone who helped promising young athletes, including footballer Cody Steele-Sullivan. Donna Johnstone posted how she was ‘blown away and so grateful’ for Ms Raven’s support and that of Anytime Fitness Hervey Bay.
Sara Ashdown said she’d had the honour of not just working with Ms Raven but calling her a friend.
“Just posting to express my sadness at learning a beautiful soul has passed on,” she wrote.
“I’m so glad I got to hug you on Thursday but my heart breaks as we won’t be out in our ocean together as we planned this weekend.
“You were my rock at work and I’ll never forget how much you believed in me and supported me.”
Carly Wallace also posted in honour of her friend.
“To hear your life was taken away from you last night has completely shattered my heart,” she wrote.
“You were the sun that lit up the room and everyone who had a chance to know you were so incredibly lucky.
“I’m going to miss you and your laughter so much, you made me a better person for knowing you.”
Bay Power AFC also posted a tribute in honour of Ms Raven.
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“The Bay Power Australian Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of current member Tash Raven,” the post read.
“The club is devastated by her passing and is thinking of her family, friends and the wider Bay Power community at this difficult time.
“Tash will be remembered by all as a hardworking volunteer, bubbly personality and life of the party.
“We at Bay Power AFC send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
“It’s at times like these that football clubs stand together and are there to comfort each other and unite as a whole.”