Tributes for Collie crash victim
Friends of a young Collie woman killed in a crash early on Saturday have paid tribute to her “bright 21 years on this Earth”.
A fundraising page, GoFundMe, has been set up to pay for Natalie Cartledge's memorial and more than half its $5000 goal was raised in just eight hours.
Many friends posted images of her on social media, with one writing: “RIP lil sis doesn’t matter what I write, doesn’t fix this numb horrible feeling. Missing you”.
The 21-year-old who wanted to be a chef, a hairdresser or an interior designer was killed when the car she was a passenger in hit a tree, rolled and burst into flames.
Police charged the 23-year-old driver, claiming he was intoxicated when he lost control of the Ford Falcon sedan on a country road near the South West town about 3.20am.
The car sideswiped a tree and hit a tree stump. The impact caused the vehicle to become airborne and flip on to its roof.
Ms Cartledge was trapped in the car when it caught alight and she died at the scene.
The accused driver and two male passengers, aged 19 and 20, were able to escape.
Police said the two male passengers were taken to Bunbury Hospital, where the 19-year-old had surgery.
The 23-year-old was questioned by police after being treated at Collie Hospital for minor injuries.
Major crash investigators charged the driver with dangerous driving occasioning death, dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and having a blood alcohol reading above 0.08.
He is expected to face Collie Magistrate’s Court on June 10.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
