Tributes flow for Meeniyan teen Laura Richmond killed in Koonwarra crash

The Leongatha Secondary College acting principal has paid tribute to a former student killed in horrific crash in Koonwarra.

Laura Richmond was tragically killed in a car crash in Koonwarra. Picture: Supplied

A Meeniyan teen who was killed in a horror crash has been remembered by friends for her bubbly personality and “heart of gold”.

Laura Richmond, 18, tragically died when her car and a truck crashed on the South Gippsland Highway in Koonwarra on Tuesday, November 9.

Graduating from Leongatha Secondary College in 2020, acting principal Brad Hutchinson paid tribute to the caring student who was always there for her friend’s in their time of need.

“Laura brought a wonderful energy to life and contributed positively to so many aspects of our college community,” he said.

“We will miss her big smile.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to her family and close friends at this time.”

Laura’s friend Jade Rhoden told The Bass Coast News she was the “life of the party”.

“Lozza was the most kind-hearted person with the biggest heart,” she said.

“She was constantly coming out with the best one-liners and was always up for a chat if anyone ever needed.”

After graduating last year, Laura worked at the Meeniyan Hotel had planned to move into a rental with her best friend.

“She was always there with a bright and bubbly personality, always happy to help others,” Ms Rhoden said.

“She would light up the room and make everyone laugh and she was a rock to so many people.”

Ms Rhoden said Laura was a friend to multiple SES volunteers who attended the tragic scene.

“We all miss her so much already, she was such a beautiful person taken way too soon,” she said.

Laura has been remembered for her energetic personality. Picture: Supplied

Her friends said she was the ‘life of the party’. Picture: Supplied

Flynn Moore said ‘Loz’ was selfless, wholesome and loveable.

“She was and always will be one of the most memorable people to come into anyone’s life,” he said.

Mr Moore said he will miss her iconic laugh.

“I don’t think I’ve accepted this awful reality, her number is one of my most recent phone calls and I can’t comprehend that I’ll never hear her iconic laugh on the other end,” he said.

“No amount of tears can bring her back and there is nobody in this world that can fill her spot that she left.”

Nikita Hulse said Laura was an angel that was taken too soon.

“You were my shoulder to cry on but you were also the sun that came shining through with your bright and bubbly personality,” she said.

“You always wanted those around you to be smiling.”

[e-mail]