Tributes flow for mum killed in four-vehicle smash on Princes Freeway in Darnum

A mum of six has been remembered by friends as a “shining star” after she was killed when her vehicle was struck by a truck on the Princes Freeway in Darnum.

Rhiannon Drake was killed in a horror multi-vehicle collision in Darnum, Gippsland.

A devoted mum of six has been remembered by friends as a “shining star” after she was killed in a horror four-vehicle smash in Gippsland.

Rhiannon Drake, 30, was a front-seat passenger in a Jeep when a truck crashed into it on the Princes Freeway in Darnum on Monday.

Two other people in the vehicle survived but Ms Drake tragically died at the scene.

The driver, a 32-year-old Warragul woman, was flown to hospital with life-threatening injuries and another passenger, 14-year-old Warragul girl, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Two other vehicles were also struck in the collision near the Bona Vista Rd exit about 8.40am.

Angela Tiahn told the Herald Sun her friend was a “beautiful person inside and out”.

“She would always put everyone before herself,” she said.

“She was the best mum, friend, daughter and partner and had so much to give even when she was completely down and out.”

Ms Drake was a devoted mum of six.

Ms Tiahn said Ms Drake loved spending time with her six sons.

“They were always her main priority and her world revolved around them,” she said.

“They were her hobby, her whole life.

“She meant so much to me and everyone who had the honour of knowing her.

“She was the mum I always dreamt I’d be if I ever got the chance and it’s devastating she won’t get to share my children the way I got to see her kids.”

It’s understood Ms Drake lived in Warragul for most of her life but had recently moved to Phillip Island with her kids and partner Steven.

The tight-knit community have rallied around the family with a donation trolley set up at Coles in Cowes.

“Donations welcomed ... Young island mum lost her life in a Warragul car accident on Monday,” a note read.

“Please help support her partner and six boys. RIP.”

Coles Cowes donation trolley for Rhiannon Drake’s family. Picture: Supplied

The trolley was filled with items including toilet paper, crackers and juice on Tuesday morning.

It comes as Ms Drake was remembered by friends on social media as a “shining star”.

“You always went above and beyond for the people that mattered to you,” Cahli Parker said.

“You were there for everyone no matter the time of day or the reason they needed you. “Sometimes you even gave too much when it wasn’t deserved but that was who you were.”

It’s believed roadside lawn mowing and banked up traffic contributed to the crash.

A pair in a white Mitsubishi, a 53-year-old Yarragon man and a teenage boy, were assessed by paramedics at the scene.

The driver of a silver Mazda, a 21-year-old Tooradin woman, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The truck driver, a 61-year-old Trafalgar man, was assisting police with their inquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.