Toogoom crash: Emma Louise Wilkins’ best friends share heartbreaking tribute

The best friends of a pedestrian who died after being struck by a ute on the Fraser Coast have shared the devastating pain of losing a person they considered a sister for more than 20 years.

Emma Louise Wilkins, who died after a fatal vehicle and pedestrian crash at Toogoom on October 15.

The best friends of a Logan woman who died after being struck by a ute on the Fraser Coast have shared the devastating pain of losing a person they considered a sister for more than 20 years.

Emma Louise Wilkins, 39, was hit by a GWM Cannon ute at the intersection of Toogoom Cane Rd and Pialba Burrum Rd at Toogoom around 6.25pm on October 15.

The Waterford West woman was treated for critical injuries but died at the scene.

The tragedy has shocked family and friends, including her best friend, Jennifer Gray, who revealed her heartbreak after receiving the devastating news from Ms Wilkins’ mother.

“I was in complete shock,” she said.

“I just wanted to reach through the phone to hold Em’s mum, my heart is shattered.

Emma Louise Wilkins, who died after a fatal vehicle and pedestrian crash at Toogoom on October 15.

“Hearing her voice break as she told me that Em was laying in Hervey Bay morgue is something I just can’t get out of my head.”

The pair had been best friends since meeting in Year 8 at Beenleigh State High School, along with Natasha Ham, and had maintained their relationship ever since.

Emma Louise Wilkins, who died after a fatal vehicle and pedestrian crash at Toogoom on October 15, with her mum.

Mrs Gray said her best friend was “the kindest soul”.

“You won’t meet someone more empathetic and loving, she wore her heart on her sleeve, she would light up any room that she entered, she had a laugh that was infectious,” she said.

“We were family, we were sisters, she was the yin to my yang.

“Em had a heart of gold. She was my shoulder to cry on through some really hard times in my life, no matter what she was going through herself she was always there for others.”

Emma Louise Wilkins, who died after a fatal vehicle and pedestrian crash at Toogoom on October 15, with her best friend Jennifer Gray.

Mrs Ham, who had known Ms Wilkins for even longer after meeting at primary school and having her as a maid of honour at her wedding, said she could not believe her best friend was gone.

“When my friend had told me what had happened to Emma I was devastated and completely shocked, I couldn’t believe what I was told and I didn’t want to believe that my best friend was gone,” she said.

“Emma was my best friend. She may not have been my sister by blood but she was my sister by heart. She is caring and kind and she would always put others before herself, she had such a loving soul and was always happy.

Emma Louise Wilkins, who died after a vehicle and pedestrian crash at Toogoom on October 15, with her mum.

“She is a very big part of my life, she was beautiful and honestly such an amazing friend. She meant the world to everyone.”

Mrs Gray said her best friend was very talented and had a love for jewellery.

She also shared the pain her family was in after the horrific crash.

“Em has the most beautiful family who are absolutely devastated by her passing,” she said.

“Her mum is like a second mum to me and my heart breaks for her, as a mum I just couldn’t imagine the pain she is feeling.

“Em will be missed everyday, every sunrise and every sunset. She has left a hole in so many hearts.”

The driver of the ute, a 31-year-old Eli Waters man, was physically uninjured in the crash and stopped at the scene to assist Ms Wilkins.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone in the area at the time of the incident who may have dashcam footage should contact police.

Originally published as Toogoom crash: Emma Louise Wilkins’ best friends share heartbreaking tribute