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Town says farewell to pregnant teen

A tiny white coffin on top of another, this is the heartbreaking image Shona Leigh Caley’s mother hopes could save other young lives.

Jen Higgins said her 19-year-old daughter was the happiest she’d ever seen her - engaged and 31 weeks pregnant - when she left Perth 11 days ago to drive home to Corrigin.

She never made it.

Shona’s life was cut short and her unborn daughter’s life was over before it even began.

At a funeral service in the country town today, about 250 people gathered to farewell Shona.

Balloons were released in her memory and the Corrigin council’s flags were at half mast.

"It was hard," Mrs Higgins said after the burial service.

Picture: Matt Anderson/Seven News


"It’s not something anyone would want to do, ever.

"She was so popular, people loved her."

Full report on Seven News tonight at 6pm.

Mourners were dressed casually, many in bright colours and wearing pink ribbons.

Mrs Higgins had told them: "Anyone who knew Shona would know that she would not want you to dress all in black for her funeral, so please feel free to wear your favourite clothes and colours in Shona’s memory."

Shona’s fiance, Alex Riley, was there too, standing by her parents’ side.

Picture: Matt Anderson/Seven News


Mrs Higgins said she doesn’t blame him for the crash and wants him to forgive himself.

"He was my daughter’s love," she said.

Police have ruled out speed but believe fatigue may have been a factor.

The Brookton Highway crash that killed Shona was one of five fatalities in WA last week and prompted police to issue a warning about driver distraction.

Mrs Higgins today echoed that and urged young drivers to take extra care.

"It is really important that people do take the time to have a rest," she said.

Eighteen of the 28 lives lost in WA so far this year have been on country roads.

Picture: Matt Anderson/Seven News