Wardell crash: Sophie-Lee Fullagar, 24, identified as one of four killed in tragic crash near Ballina in northern NSW
A young woman with “the sweetest nature” and “the biggest heart” has been remembered by devastated loved ones after a horrific quadruple-fatal crash in the Northern Rivers.
Regional News
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A Northern Rivers woman with “the sweetest nature” and “the biggest heart” has been remembered by loved after a horrific quadruple-fatal crash near Ballina.
Friend Indiana Miller was one of many to take to local social media groups and pages to pay tribute to Sophie-Lee Fullagar, 24, after the ute rollover at Wardell, near Ballina, early on Saturday morning.
“Maybe you heard about the tragic car accident that claimed four life’s (sic) in Wardell over the weekend,” Ms Miller wrote on Facebook.
“My beautiful friend Sophie was in that car. She was only 24 years young. We grew up playing together in the hills of Main Arm (in the Byron Shire, northern NSW).
“I am reaching out to the community for financial support to help Sophie’s family through this tough time.
“Any support is so greatly appreciated, whether it is sharing or donating. Thank you to our beautiful community.”
Community Facebook page Main Arm Valley Voice wrote on Monday: “There was a tragic car accident at Wardell last weekend that claimed four lives.”
“One of them was 24 year old Sophie-Lee Fullagar. Sophie spent a good part of her childhood in Main Arm and her mother and grandparents are well loved long-time locals,” the post read.
“She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind heart and lovely singing voice.
“We extend our deep condolences to Sophie’s family and friends.”
Emergency services were called to the crash site on Back Channel Rd about 5.45am on Saturday. A person driving to work spotted the wreckage.
Paramedics found a man dead behind the wheel of the Mazda BT-50. Two men riding as passengers and one woman, Ms Fullagar, were all found deceased.
On Saturday afternoon, Richmond Police District Inspector Mary Tanner said victim ages ranged from in their 20s to in their 50s, but investigators had not identified all involved and were still trying to work out connection between occupants.
“Given the conditions and being a country road, people should take care,” she warned.
Police believe the dual cab lost control and struck a tree before it rolled. Early investigations suggested some in the ute may not have been wearing seatbelts.
The GoFundMe page by Ms Miller states Ms Fullagar’s “family, friends and the surrounding community are suffering with the ripple effect of such a terrible loss”.
“Sophie had the sweetest nature, the biggest heart and was so strong,” the fundraiser reads.
“She loved to sing and had the most beautiful voice. Her smile and laugh were infectious. She will be dearly missed.”
Ms Miller called out for locals “to help Sophie-Lee’s family during this terrible time”.
“Thank you to our beautiful community,” she added.
Insp Tanner urged the community to phone police if they have any more information about the “traumatic” crash: 1800 333 000
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