Ballarat mourns young bakery worker, killed in horror smash

The Ballarat community is mourning the loss of a young woman who was a “joy to be around” after she was killed in a crash near Geelong.

Ballarat bakery worker Clover Dove, originally from Gisborne, has been killed in a car crash in Meredith. Picture: Supplied.

The Ballarat community is mourning the loss of Clover Dove, after she was killed in a collision in Meredith on Tuesday.

The young woman, who managed the 1816 Bakehouse, has been remembered on social media as a popular woman.

“She was a joy to be around, and showed us a spark for life that was enviable,” a statement from the Bakehouse, where her husband also works, said.

“Her laughter and light will be missed by all of us, and our customers.

“Our hearts go out to her husband Darcy (our amazing manager), and both their families and all their friends. We are so truly sorry for your loss.”

Clover Dove with husband Darcy. Picture: Facebook.

1816 Bakehouse manager Michaela Beggs added to the earlier statement:

“She truly showed us all what it looked like to live our best lives, and to seek out and appreciate the beauty around us. There are no words to properly capture the depth of her impact on those around her,” she said.

“She leaves a hole in 1816, the wider Ballarat community, and in the lives of all those who knew her.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for us all and we greatly appreciate all the support that have received from the hospitality community, our customers and our 1816 family.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for us all and we greatly appreciate all the support that have received from the hospitality community, our customers and our 1816 family.

“As we take things slowly and navigate our grief in this difficult time, some of our staff will be taking time away from the store to process, so we would welcome a little extra patience and kindness.

“Customers will be informed of any changes to the business that may impact them, but of course, our priority is not business right now. Our focus is on Clover, and providing support to Darcy and the rest of our team.”

According to police, a silver Holden Commodore, driving on Midland Highway, ran into the rear of the white Suzuki Ignis Ms Dove was travelling in.

The Ignis then collided with a silver Toyota Hilux travelling along intersecting McLeod St just after 6am Tuesday.

The driver of the Commodore, a 24-year-old man from Bonshaw, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

He was interviewed by police and released pending further enquiries.

The driver of the Suzuki, a 32-year-old Gisborne man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Hilux, a 34-year-old Barwon Heads man, and his passenger, a 34-year-old Lethbridge man, were assessed at the scene and were uninjured.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.