Teenager killed in crash a 'shining light' to all, family say

Wednesday, 29 August 2018

​A Taranaki teenager killed in a car crash was a vibrant and vivacious young woman with a million-dollar heart, her friends and family say.

Olivia Renee Keightley-Trigg, 18, died when the driver of a ute allegedly crossed the centreline and smashed into her car on State Highway Three, just south of Waitara, on Tuesday morning.

Keightley-Trigg was returning from dropping friends off at the airport when tragedy struck.

Her aunty, Amanda Trigg, said helping others was part of her faith as a Jehovah Witness and it was also in her caring nature.

READ MORE: Woman killed, man arrested after fatal two-car crash north of New Plymouth

'The day before she died she was out doing someone a favour and walking somebody's dog,' Trigg said.

'She was like a shining light, like moths to a flame you couldn't not just fall in love with her.

'She was 'Miss Personality', she was the star of the family.'

Keightley-Trigg's older sister, Brianna Tipene, 19, said her sister's infectious laugh and strong faith would be the traits she would most remember.

'That was the one thing that me and her did most together, was just laugh,' Tipene said.

'She was always the person if anybody was ever sad she would be there straight away. She would make anyone else feel like a million bucks again.'

Tipene, who lives in Auckland, said she immediately headed for New Plymouth when she heard the news.

'I was at home so we just come down straight away.

'I was in disbelief but it is sort of starting to sink in now, so I'm pretty upset.'

Since news of Keightley-Trigg's death her family had been inundated by support from members of the church and community.

Tipene said it was nice to be surrounded by the warmth of others.

'I feel like that has been a bonus, I guess, of helping out; everyone has switched roles and are being extremely helpful and caring for us now.'

Keightley-Trigg was also a talented sportswoman and academic, Tipene said.

'She was really good at being competitive.'

In a reply to a touching Facebook tribute about Keightley-Trigg her mother Suzie wrote: 'She was certainly unique .. old but young .. loud but soft .. sweet yet sassy .. and that sparkle that could just make you smile or become really worried.'

A family friend said the outpouring of support for the family was testament to how well thought of they were in the community.

'This family is always helping everyone, especially when it comes to funerals and tragedies. They are the first people there, including Olivia, so it has just left everyone reeling,' she said.

She said Keightley-Trigg had a great relationship with children and since her death there had been lots of photos and videos shared of her playing with them, swinging them around, dressing them up and singing with them.

'She was just the go to. All of the little kids just love her.

'She was just a vibrant, vivacious girl and everybody was just drawn to her.'

She also emphasised how important Keightley-Trigg's faith was to her and said that was how she would be remembered.

'We are celebrating her life, it's not about her death, it's about her life.'

The 37-year-old alleged to have caused the crash is due to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on Thursday, September 20.

The man, who has interim name suppression, is facing charges of dangerous driving causing death, possession of cannabis, possession of utensils to consume methamphetamine and refusing to give a blood sample.

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