Rochedale State High School postpones semi-formal after death of student Lydia Gilchrist

A Queensland school struggling to come to terms with the death of one of its students has postponed a major event, as new details emerge of the getaway she was on when the tragedy unfolded.

The southeast Queensland school attended by 16-year-old fatal crash victim Lydia Gilchrist has been left so devastated they have postponed a key annual event, as details of the weekend getaway she was on emerge.

It is understood Lydia was a passenger in a car travelling with a group of friends in other four-wheel-drives for a camping trip at the time of the crash.

Rochedale State High School will postpone their Year 10 semi-formal as they strive to support students deal with the death of student Lydia Gilchrist died on Tuesday after suffering serious injuries in a crash at New Beith on October 8.

According to parents at the school, students in the 16-year-old’s cohort was struggling to come to terms with the loss of their friend, who they said was “liked by all”.

Daisy Hill resident Lydia Gilchrist, 16, who died following a tragic crash in Logan. Picture: Facebook

The school’s Year 10 semi-formal was scheduled for tonight but has been postponed until November 14 following the tragedy.

Parents have also said the school was providing ongoing support to students.

“What the school did was get all Grade 10 students and told them as the cohort, no other grades were there,” one parent said.

“The Year 10 group were literally a mess, my daughter called me crying.

“Lydia was a student that didn't seem to have any enemies, and liked by all, so as you can imagine it was a shock for all students.

Rochedale State High School.

“The school was prepared for the sadness which has overcome I would say 95 per cent of the Year 10 cohort.”

The parent said her daughter said the news was just so hard to comprehend.

“Because now she (Lydia) wont get her semi-formal, she won’t be able to graduate Year 10 or 12 or even be able to go to uni,” her daughter said.

“It has shocked the whole school and community.”

A spokesman for the Department of Education said Rochedale State High School was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of one of its students.

“Lydia was a caring person with a gentle soul and a wonderful friend who was always there when others needed her,” the spokesman said.

Daisy Hill resident Lydia Gilchrist, 16, who died following a tragic crash in Logan. Picture: Facebook

“She will be greatly missed by all her friends and teachers.

“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with her family, caregivers, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.

“Support is also being provided to students and staff, and guidance counsellors will remain at the school to provide support in any way they can and for as long as it is needed.

“The school has postponed the semi-formal as a sign of respect and rescheduled the event until November, with these alternative arrangements communicated directly with the school community.

“The school will rally together and honour Lydia’s memory while respecting her family’s privacy in their time of grief.”

Another parent said the school deserved credit for the support they had provided to students.

“They also sent parents an email, on how to help the students get through this time and if parents need help they are there for them as well,” she said

“The school is wonderful … the school has offered ongoing help and the teachers have been extending assessments so the children have a bit longer while they are coping with such a loss.”

Lydia Gilchrist and her mum Carly Townsend. Picture: Facebook

Since the tragedy, social media has been flooded with tributes to the teen known as ‘Pearl’, including a heartbreaking message from her mum.

It is understood that the driver of the car Lydia was in lost control when turning a corner and hit a creek culvert. The car rolled and was on its roof when police found them.

Investigations are ongoing.