'One of our saddest days': Tributes for teen killed in Lamborghini crash
A teenager who was injured when an out-of-control Lamborghini killed her friend in Adelaide on Saturday has paid tribute to her “strong and beautiful” schoolmate.
Sophia Naismith, 15, died when the luxury vehicle mounted the kerb and hit the pedestrians on the footpath at Glengowrie in the city’s southwest before crashing into a Chinese restaurant on Saturday night.
Her friend, who was by Sophia’s side when the car veered into their path and was also injured during the crash, took to Instagram on Monday while she recovers in hospital.
“Every single piece of my heart goes out to this strong, beautiful girl,” she wrote.
“I will love you forever and always. Words cannot describe how much I want to change what has happened.
“You will be forever loved in everyone’s heart and never forgotten.
“Rest easy Soph, I love you.”
Dozens of friends were quick to offer their support to the teen.
School mourns Sophia’s death
The girls’ principal at Brighton Secondary School, Toni Carellas, said in a statement to Yahoo News Australia the school was grieving the loss of a stellar pupil in Sophia.
“This is one of our saddest days as a school community and it will take us a long time to come to terms with what has happened,” she said.
“Sophia was a popular and vibrant member of our school who brought a huge amount of positive energy to everything she did. She was a gifted athlete and brilliant academically.”
She said Sophia was a key member of the school’s volleyball team and will be “missed enormously” among teammates, friends and members of staff.
Volleyball SA shared their condolences to the Naismith family late on Sunday night.
“It is with heartbreaking sadness that we offer our condolences to the Naismith family on the loss of Sophia,” they said on Facebook.
“As always we as a community mourn the loss of one of our own and offer our sincere support to her family in whatever way they need us.”
Ms Carellas said counselling has been arranged for students and teachers.
“At the moment our focus is on wrapping our arms around our community,” she said.
A SA Health spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo News Australia that the 15-year-old is in a stable condition at Flinders Medical Centre.
The 37-year-old driver allegedly behind the wheel of the Lamborghini has been charged with driving dangerously causing death and injury.
He will appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on July 31.
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