Boree Creek car crash: Ella Painting killed, tributes for her flow
Tributes have flowed for a young woman who died when her car hit a tree west of Wagga over the weekend.
The Wagga News
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Wagga News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Replica guns and mobile phones found during police raid
- What you need to know before phone detection cameras go live
- Council calls for more ‘critical’ laydown change facilities
A young woman who died in a car crash west of Wagga on Sunday has been remembered as someone who had “a heart of gold” and who was “always loving” as tributes flow from the community.
The daughter of Coleambally horse racing trainer Matt Painting, 20-year-old Ella Painting was driving a Toyota Corolla on Strontian Road, Boree Creek, when she lost control on a right-hand bend and collided with a tree yesterday.
About 2.45pm, emergency services were called to the scene where they tragically could not revive her.
Danny Graham, close friend and spokesperson for the family, said Ms Painting would be remembered for her giving nature.
“She coached some of our young netballers and always gave back to the community all the way through,” he said.
Ms Painting, who went to Coleambally Central School, was a third-generation Coleambally Painting family member who was just starting a teaching degree at Charles Sturt University in Wagga.
Before that, she obtained a diploma in early childhood education.
“Last week when she went to uni, she said it was the best week of her life. She was going places,” Mr Graham said.
“She lived for her netball, horses and her wonderful family.
“Her movements were unknown from midday to the time of the accident, so if anyone knows anything, please let the police and us know.”
One of her close friends, Georgia Black, told The Wagga News Ms Painting had a “heart of gold” who was always “welcoming to everyone she met”.
“I’ve known her most of my life and we went to primary and high school together,” Ms Black said.
“She graduated high school and was ready to take on the world”.
Ms Black said she and Ms Painting had played netball together at the local club for about four years.
“She was a gun, she was a goer,” Ms Black said.
“She was the most team-oriented player who was also smart and always gave it her all.”
Ms Black, who broke down in tears, said she was hurting after losing another friend.
“Ella will be missed and will always be in our hearts,” she said.
It is believed Ms Painting was travelling to CSU in Wagga yesterday afternoon.
Sophie Litchfield, who came to call Ms Painting a friend after meeting her through family, described the 20-year-old as someone “you wanted to have around”.
“She was just funny all the time, a very positive person,” Ms Litchfield said.
“She’d lighten up the room and there wasn’t a mean bone in her body.”
Ms Litchfield said the devastating news of her friend’s death was all too much at the moment.
“It’s a shock to everyone because their family is very community focused,” she said.
Murrumbidgee Shire Mayor Ruth McRae, who knew Ella and her family personally through their work in the racing industry, said the news was shattering.
“To lose a young life with the world at her feet is just really distressing, it’s a tragedy” Cr McRae said.
“Our thoughts are with the family at the moment — they are an integral part of the Coleambally community.
“The loss is heavy and will be felt for a long time.”
Cr McRae said she remembers Ms Painting as a core part of the school network.
“I’m sure the Coleambally community will rally to support the family,” she said.
During the incident yesterday, Riverina Police District officers attended and established a crime scene.
An Ambulance spokesman said “multiple” crews attended, including a helicopter.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Wagga Police Station on 6922 2599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared the coroner.