‘Forever 16’: Beloved daughter, sister Lucy Needer killed in crash

One final trail ride is set to be held in honour of a teenage girl killed in a tragic crash this week as those close to her remember her as an outstanding horsewoman and animal lover. VIDEO TRIBUTE

Beloved South Burnett crash victim Lucy Needer.

A beloved daughter and sister known for her grit and determination is being mourned after a crash in the South Burnett claimed her life on Monday.

Lucy Needer, 16, was killed when the Daihatsu Applause she was driving struck a tree on Lucas Road, off the D’Aguilar Highway at Hodgleigh, about 6.50pm.

She was the beloved daughter of Denis and Stacy Needer and sister to Hannah.

She is understood to have been a student at Kingaroy State School and a well-known participant in shows across the region.

Those attending her funeral are being invited to go on Lucy’s “final trail ride”, from the service to the cemetery, a ride that would take about an hour.

Everyone is being asked to wear a “touch of teal”.

Details for the service will be announced at a future date.

Beloved South Burnett crash victim Lucy Needer.

Lucy’s passion for country life and her deep love of animals shone through in her social media posts, where she shared videos of her daily life with her followers.

In the countless videos she posted to her Instagram, she could be seen having a laugh with friends and family, exploring the bush and countryside, almost always on horseback, playing around with her dachshunds, and even helping with calving.

She shared uplifting and encouraging messages that spoke about her deep desire to make the most out of her life and the importance of feeling confident within yourself.

Whether she was mustering cattle or competing in campdrafting or equestrian events, she did so with grit, determination and a true love for the animals.

But as confident and experienced as she was on horseback and in competition, she was still very much a teenage girl, and sometimes shared messages that contemplated the same self doubts most young women feel of not being enough.

Lucy’s energy and passion for life was reflected in a video she shared in February about the need to live life to the full, knowing that tomorrow doesn’t always come.

The video talks about there are ‘no do overs’ and asks people if they would be happy looking back at their lives, knowing they stayed in a job they hated, didn’t go to the country they always wanted, or that they held a grudge or were too busy to answer the phone to their parents.

“We have one shot in this life and yet we are truly too scared to live,’’ the video (below) says.

Thousands of people have responded to the news of Lucy’s death on social media, with hundreds of comments pouring in from people who have been touched by the tragedy.

Lucy has been remembered as someone who was always bursting with energy, a young woman who was a lot of fun to be around, who was kind and generous to others.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone with the same amount of energy as what that little girl had,” Clay wrote.

“She really was such a beautiful souled person.”

Monica from Co. Couture Chocolates in Nanango called Lucy her magical market helper and spoke fondly about the “vibrant, cheeky, no nonsense” teenage girl.

“This is Lucy, my magical market helper,” she wrote.
“You might have been one of the lucky ones to encounter her vibrant, cheeky, no nonsense personality at the Nanango markets every month.

“It’s a winding story how we met but she taught me and I taught her.

“A tragic accident happened and Lucy is no longer here.

“My greatest taste tester, an honest critic, a friend, exceptional horsewoman, animal lover, and everything that goes with a dynamo.

“Fly higher little angel, ride those horses, love those dogs and feed those chooks in heaven.

“All I can say is look out up there she will sort you out.”

Nazrin McCombe remembered Lucy as an amazing girl with a “big, beautiful personality”.

“Our hearts are broken,” she wrote.

“I know as a coach, you are not supposed to have favourites. But this kid was absolutely one of them,” Deziree said.

Annabelle Nelson said she was thinking of the family.

“She will be dearly missed, she was such a gorgeous girl,” she wrote.

Cassandra shared how excited Lucy was to share her passion about horses with those around her and how much she loved her family.

“An abundance of beautiful memories will forever encapsulate her smile and her laughter, the way she danced around and would tell everyone about her love of horses,” Cassandra wrote.

“She always smiled and the adoration in her eyes when she would look at her mother, those moments were nothing less than heart warming.”

Jasmine Russell Kleis said Lucy would be forever missed and remembered.

Beloved South Burnett crash victim Lucy Needer.

Mia Attard remembered Lucy as a kind and compassionate person.

“Hope you’re up there in the sky dancing with the angels Lucy,” she wrote.

Condolences were also left on the funeral home’s website.

“You were always a kind soul,” Lincoln Muller wrote.

“Condolences to your family in this tough time.

“Fly high Lucy, may you rest in peace.”

Many others remembered Lucy’s beautiful smile.

She was known as being an animal lover, and an outstanding horsewoman and musterer.

Jo and Rod Crookes said Lucy would always have a special place in their hearts.

“Fly high beautiful, forever 16,” the post read.

Originally published as ‘Forever 16’: Beloved daughter, sister Lucy Needer killed in crash