Mum pays tribute to Ballan crash teen Jacqueline Vodden

UPDATE: A BOY has been charged after a fatal crash on the Western Freeway as shocked family and friends pay tribute to the girl killed in the collision.

Jacqueline Vodden, 16, was killed in the Ballan crash. Picture: Facebook

THE mother of a girl killed when a teen home invasion suspect crashed a stolen van while fleeing police has shared her grief.

The girl — 16-year-old Jacqueline Vodden — died when the van ploughed into two trucks on the Western Freeway at Ballan in Victoria’s west yesterday.

The driver, a 17-year-old boy, allegedly stole a car and fled the scene but was arrested in Ballarat about three hours later.

Jacqueline’s mother told of her heartache online, posting: “I just want my baby back”.

Friends wrote of their shock.

“There are no words to explain how I feel right now, I still can’t believe this is real,’’ one wrote.

“You were one of the most beautiful girls to ever have a place on this earth and you touched so many lives, I can’t even describe how much we will all miss you.

“Spread your wings baby girl and fly so so high!

Jacqueline Vodden died when the van ploughed into two trucks.

The remains of the van after a crash on the Western Freeway. Picture: Channel 9

“I love you so much and I know you’ll always be with us and always watching over!”

Another said: “Rest in peace gorgeous girl you will never be forgotten.”

Among other tributes a loved one wrote: “You’ve made us realise the price of the street life isn’t worth a life, isn’t worth the pain that we are all feeling! Rest in peace beautiful.”

The boy on Wednesday night faced an out-of-sessions court hearing, where he was charged with culpable driving, dangerous driving causing death, conduct endangering life, theft of motor vehicle, aggravated burglary, burglary and other offences.

He has been remanded to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.

[e-mail]

@weshosking