Indie Armstrong remembered in heartbreaking tributes

LITTLE hands, new to writing, have helped fill a heartbreaking memorial board to their six-year-old friend torn from them in a carpark tragedy.

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LITTLE hands, new to writing, have helped fill a memorial board to their six-year-old friend torn from them in the weekend’s carpark tragedy.

Hundreds of people have left flowers, cards and tributes to little Indie Armstrong, who died when a runaway car driven by an 86-year-old driver ploughed into her, her sister Lily, 8, and her grandmother Sandy as they waited at a pedestrian crossing inside Nambour Mill shopping centre on Sunday.

The message left for Indie Armstrong by her friend Aylah Gilbertson.

Aylah, 6, leaves a fluffy toy at the memorial. Picture: AAP/ Ric Frearson

The tragedy sparked tears across all ages, but it is the toys and messages from youngsters that are the starkest reminder of the sadness gripping the community.

Indie’s friend, Aylah Gilbertson, 6, dropped off a stuffed toy. Her mum Leonie cried as she watched.

Aylah’s message joined others covered in love hearts, the ones kids usually draw in birthday cards.

“I love you Indie,” Aylah wrote, her words surrounded with hearts, rainbows and butterflies. “I will never forget you.”

“I love you so so so so so so so so much,” another little one wrote.

Indie Armstrong, 6, died in supermarket car park in Nambour after a driver reversed into her as she was about to cross at a pedestrian crossing. Picture: Supplied

At Indie’s school, North Arm primary, just down the road from the family home near Yandina, Indie was yesterday remembered as a “cherished” and “enthusiastic, loving, friendly young girl” by her friends and teachers. Principal Kelly Edgar said the school community was grappling with the death of their student and friend.

“North Arm State School community is deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one of our Year 1 students, Indie Armstrong,” Ms Edgar said in a statement issued by the education department.

“Indie was an enthusiastic, loving, friendly young girl who will be greatly missed by the North Arm State School community. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies go out to the family, caregivers, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

In a letter to parents, she said Lily and her grandmother remain in hospital.

Police said no charges had been laid against the elderly driver. A report was being prepared for the coroner and the forensic crash unit investigation is continuing.

As of yesterday afternoon, more than $37,000 had been pledged on a GoFundMe page to help the family.