Family pay tribute to Gold Coast girl Olivia ‘Liv’ Douglas, 8, killed in car accident

THE shattered family of 8-year-old Olivia Douglas have shared their words of grief on the Oxenford State school student who lost her life in a traffic crash on Friday.

THE shattered family of 8-year-old Olivia Douglas have shared their words of grief on the Oxenford State school student who lost her life in a traffic crash on Friday.

Olivia’s Aunty, Liz Mitchell, spoke on behalf of the devastated family out the front of the makeshift memorial of cards and flowers that had appeared at the front of the school.

On Friday afternoon Olivia and her family were travelling to Bundaberg to watch her older brother compete in the primary school’s cup.

The family of Gold Coast schoolgirl Olivia Douglas, who was killed in a car accident near Bundaberg on Friday, visit the makeshift memorial set up at Oxenford State School.

Part-way through the journey Olivia changed cars to travel with the Oxenford State School Coach and her granddaughter.

“It was not long after this that the horrific nightmare unfolded,” Ms Mitchell said as she fought back tears.

The car she had been travelling in was involved in a head-on collision with a ute on the Bruce Highway.

“Our family has been shattered by the loss of our much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and best friend Olivia Douglas.

“No words can describe how we feel at this time,”

“We are absolutely shattered and will never fully recover.

Ms Mitchell described her exuberant niece’s passion for life, family and friends.

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“Olivia is, and always will be, our bright, bubbly, sensitive and sweet little princess, who always laughed and loved in all that she did,” she said.

“She loved her family and cherished the many friendships that she made through her short life.

“Olivia enjoyed dancing to music, singing and most importantly she loved her netball.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all those who have reached out and offered kind words and support in this difficult time.

“We ask now that you please respect our privacy.”

Teddy bears, flowers and photos of the eight year old with her friends cover the front gate of the school.

Many of the messages accompanied by illustrations of Olivia appear to have been written by the students themselves.

One message written in delicate felt pen reads, “To Olivia, I was so sad when I heard it happen on the news.

Friends, family and fellow students of eight-year-old Gold Coast schoolgirl Olivia Douglas has been set up at her school. Photo: Kirstin Payne.

“Sorry what happened, sorry. “Thank you for being my best friend”

Another simply reads “Wish you were here.”

A mother of an fellow student described the teachers as ‘angels’.

“I don’t know how they did it, how they kept it together today but they did, they were angels”.

“Every child that walked through the door they asked them how they are, and offered to talk to them if the needed someone.”

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“It was so hard waking into school today, but the staff made it OK for all of the kids.”

“They care so much”.

Oxenford State School Principal Danielle Radley said the community was in shock

“Our close school community is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of one of our Year 2 students, Olivia Douglas, in a traffic accident south of Childers on Friday,” Mr Radley said.

Friends, family and fellow students of eight-year-old Gold Coast schoolgirl Olivia Douglas has been set up at her school, Oxenford State School. Photo: Kirstin Payne.

“Our sincerest thoughts and sympathies are with the families affected by this tragic incident.”

Support will be provided to students and staff at the school where required, and guidance counsellors will provide additional support for as long as it is needed.

“We must respect the privacy of the family and I ask that Olivia’s family are given the time they need,” he said.

At the request of her family, a school service will be held to celebrate the life of Olivia in the near future.

Olivia Douglas at the beach.