A Riverina mother who lost her "incredible" daughter in a tragic car crash has called for drivers to understand it could happen to anyone.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Isobelle Kate Smith, 19, died in a two-vehicle incident on the Sturt Highway outside Wagga on Saturday.
Her mother, Doris Smith, said it was an unimaginable event to lose her daughter at such a young age.
Isobelle grew up in Griffith with her mother and brother but sadly lost her father when she was just two years old to cancer.
"She did not have any memories of him," Mrs Smith said.
"It was hard for her, so she was a bit more mature than her other peers. We were each other's rock really. We had a very special bond."
Growing up, Isobelle had a passion for dancing but loved any active activities such as swimming.
READ MORE
Mrs Smith said her daughter was an extremely hard worker, choosing to get a job at Woolworths just before she turned 15.
Isobelle worked there for four years before getting a job as a receptionist at a medical clinic.
"She was perfect for that sort of job," Mrs Smith said. "She was great at customer service and had that way of making people feel comfortable."
After sharing the news of Isobelle's passing at the weekend, Mrs Smith has been inundated with messages and calls from loved ones and strangers.
"She had so many friends, even people that I didn't know," she said.
"I think she was the type of person that had such a lovely and caring personality that people felt quite close to her. I think there are a lot of people who would consider her to be family."
Mrs Smith said it was surreal to realise the "shining light" in her life had been "put out".
"I know it seems silly to say, but she really was someone that brightened the room," she said.
"It's very tough. I will miss her every day for the rest of my life."
Mrs Smith wanted to share two messages with the Riverina community. Firstly, to hold your family and friends tight and to tell them you love them. Secondly, think about what you are doing when you get behind the wheel.
"I don't want anyone else to go through what I am going through," Mrs Smith said.
Isobelle's funeral details are still being finalised.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.areanews.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News