Tributes flow for Alysha Martin, 15, hit and killed by ute on Bruxner Hwy, Lismore

Tributes are flowing – including from a heartbroken father – for a 15-year-old girl who died in hospital after she was struck by a ute towing a trailer in northern NSW.

Alysha Martin. Picture: Facebook.

Tributes are flowing – including from a heartbroken father – for a 15-year-old girl who died in hospital after she was struck by a ute towing a trailer in northern NSW last week.

Emergency services were called to the Bruxner Hwy at Lismore after it was reported a pedestrian, a 15-year-old girl, had been struck by the vehicle about 5pm last Wednesday.

Bystanders rushed to help the badly injured teenager.

Tragically, the girl, Lismore resident Alysha Martin, died at Lismore Base Hospital as a result of her extensive injuries.

Tributes for Ms Martin, a karate student who loved Japanese culture including anime and had dreams of travelling to Japan, have flooded social media.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Ms Martin’s family, including devastated dad Kye and sister Nala.

Alysha Martin. Picture: Facebook.

Mr Martin took to social media asking for an artist to commission a memorial artwork for his daughter.

He said “she loved art and it was her biggest passion in life, she loved Japanese anime”.

Northern Rivers Shukokai Karate Dojo said Facebook at the weekend the news of Ms Martin’s death was “devastating”.

“Yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, I received the devastating news that Alysha, a former student and big sister of Nahla, a current student, was tragically killed Wednesday evening,” it said.

“Our hearts go out to dad Kye and sister Nahla. I ask that everyone respect Kye’s request for privacy and time to grieve.”

Family friend Brunhilde Thurgate opened up about the tragedy on the fundraiser and on social media.

“A GoFundMe has been set up for the family of Alysha who lost her life in the accident on Ballina Road. Such a tragic event for everyone involved, life for both families (Alysha’s and the driver) were destroyed in an instant,” she said.

Police cars outside Lismore Base Hospital. Picture: File.

“Hoping to get enough together to help with the financial burden of funeral costs and hopefully enough to cover some essentials while the family takes time to readjust. Even a few dollars for this local family will go along way.

“Our thoughts are with Alysha’s family, siblings and friends. As well as the driver of the vehicle. Our thoughts are with you all.”

Lismore resident Annette Hotko wrote on Facebook that the community was “shocked and saddened by the tragedy”.

Kristy Gill wrote: Sending our condolences to Alysha’s family. Losing a child is devastating. RIP Alysha.”

Lismore grocer PJs Fruit and Vegetables asked the community to support the family, saying the tragedy “hit home” for them given the owners having young children of their own.

Joanne Cryer wrote: “Thinking of this beautiful girl’s family but also to the driver of the car involved. I can only imagine the trauma and nightmares this person is experiencing.”

Police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash.

The fundraiser has generated more than $9000 towards a $10,000 target.

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Originally published as Tributes flow for Alysha Martin, 15, hit and killed by ute on Bruxner Hwy, Lismore