Carers and friends mourn Paige Smith, 14-year-old with a ‘beautiful smile’

A Ballarat girl who refused to let her disability stop her from having fun has been remembered as a bright and happy teenager following her shock death.

14-year-old Paige Smith died on Monday, June 6. She has been described as a “beautiful girl” who brought joy to others with her “smiles and determination”.

A 14-year-old girl who died early this week had a “vibrant personality” and “beautiful smile” throughout her life.

Paige Smith had cerebral palsy and attended Ballarat Specialist School and paediatric therapy clinic Ookami Kids in Golden Point for about eight years.

Ookami Kids business manager Caroline Adams said Paige’s passing on Monday morning was a “huge shock to everyone”.

“Her death was certainly unexpected,” she said.

“She had cerebral palsy and was quite disabled, but she was healthy and there was no expectation that her life would be cut short.

“She was a very, very happy girl – full of energy and bright and had a good group of friends at school, and didn’t let her disability hold her back from participating.”

Ms Adams said the school community had shown great support for Paige’s family during the week through a fundraiser set up to cover funeral expenses.

“Nobody would be prepared for the loss of a child,” she said.

“We just wanted to help support them through that – it’s not an inexpensive thing to go through.

“It restores your faith in humanity when you see people pull together like this so quickly.”

The fundraiser page said Paige loved spending time with friends and family.

“She was bright, funny, unassumingly feisty, and was so dearly loved by all who were lucky enough to be a part of her life,” it said.

Comments left on the website also pay tribute to Paige and offered condolences to her family.

“We will always remember the joy that she brought us with those smiles and determination,” one said.

Another read: “Such a beautiful girl I was so lucky to know.

“I’ll miss you so much Paigey.”