Currarong fatal crash: Tributes flow for hairdresser Taylor Prior, 26

A hairdresser who died in a horror crash on the state’s south coast on New Year’s Day is being remembered as “bubbly character” who died too young.

A young woman who died after a car crash last week is being remembered as a “lovely soul” who made an impression on everyone she met.

Hairdresser Taylor Prior passed away on New Year’s Day after a crash at Currarong, near Jervis Bay, just weeks after turning 26.

Tributes have been flooding in for Ms Prior, whose friends this week have honoured her memory with stories of how she changed their lives.

One friend, Alison Ferguson, said she had Taylor to thank for her son being born after she introduced her to her future husband at a pizza store.

“I was just so heartbroken to hear … it was only the day before we were talking about her and thought to message her,” Ms Ferguson said.

Taylor Prior, 26, died in a crash at Currarong on New Year's Day. Picture: Facebook

“We missed that opportunity but that’s okay, it’s just one of those things.

“She was just so beautiful, she was one of those people who loved everyone and everyone loved her.

“I wouldn’t have my son without her, she won’t get a chance to see this but I hope she knew that, my whole life changed because of her.”

Ms Ferguson recalled how Taylor promised she could “put in a good word” at Gourmet Pizza World Corrimal for her first job because the manager was a close family friend.

Years later she went on to marry that family friend.

“Of course neither of us would have known that just by her doing what she did, it would change everything for me,” she said.

“It’s now that I realise she is the reason for so many great things that have happened since.

“Taylor will be missed by so, so many. She has some amazing friends and family that love her and deserved so much more.”

Friends are paying tribute to Taylor Prior following her death. Picture: Facebook

Her family described her as a “bubbly character” who grew up in Campbelltown, moved to Callala Bay and Bulli during her teenage years before settling down and calling the south coast home.

Ms Prior’s Hyundai collided head-on with a Subaru Forester on Currarong Rd, Currarong about 10.45am on January 1.

The 20-year-old Subaru driver was treated at Wollongong Hospital for minor injuries and underwent mandatory drug and alcohol testing but has not been charged with any offence in relation to the crash.

Police are appealing for anyone with any information or dashcam footage from the time to contact them as they prepare a report for the coroner.

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