Community mourns ‘beautiful’ mum killed in horror motorcycle crash

Tributes have poured in for a beloved and “vibrant” mother who died in a motorcycle crash after hitting a parked car.

Tributes are flowing for a beloved mother who died in a horror fatal motorcycle crash.

Mel Copeland, 39, was driving her Suzuki motorcycle on Midway Rd in Elizabeth Downs about 9.50pm on Tuesday when she crashed into a parked car.

She was only minutes away from her home and died at the scene.

Ms Copeland’s daughters shared heartbreaking tributes to their beloved mum, stating her death had left a “hole in (their) hearts”.

“R. I. P mummy, I miss and love you so much,” one wrote.

“I love you mumma,” said another. “Life will never be the same without you!”

Mel Copeland, 39, died at the scene. Picture: Facebook

The mother is remembered as a ‘kind’ and ‘beautiful’ person. Picture: Facebook

Online, loved ones shared their tributes to Ms Copeland, who is remembered as a “beautiful, vibrant person”.

“You made people feel like family with the way you loved and listened and never judged people,” a family friend wrote on social media.

“You made people smile and laugh even in hard times of life.”

“This world ain’t the same without you in (it), my friend,” said another.

Another friend described Ms Copeland as a “fire cracker” who had a “zest for life”.

“Ride free gorgeous girl,” a loved one wrote.

The Salisbury West Cricket Club, where Ms Copeland was women’s captain and played frequently with her daughter, shared a touching tribute to the mum and invited its female players to “have a drink in Mel’s honour”.

“She was a much loved, enthusiastic member of our Cricket club and current Women’s Captain,” the tribute read.

“We are all shocked and saddened by this news and Mel will forever hold a special place in the hearts of her Westies cricket family.”

Mel Copeland died in a horror motorcycle crash in Adelaide. Picture: 9News

CCTV footage shows the moment Ms Copeland rides down the stretch of road before losing control of her motorcycle and hitting the silver car.

Witnesses of the crash rushed to the scene, followed by police, but Ms Copeland could not be saved.

“There was a big bang, I didn’t know what it was,” local resident Garry McElroy told 9News.

“I walked out and walked over to her, couldn’t do nothing. Poor lady.”

Residents have laid flowers at the scene and paid respects to the mother, who is the 17th person killed on South Australian roads this year.

Following Ms Copeland’s death, residents have raised safety concerns about the stretch of road where she was killed, recounting others speeding in the area late at night.

“Most nights you hear cars or bikes speeding down the road,” resident Ian Chase told 9News.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Community mourns ‘beautiful’ mum killed in horror motorcycle crash