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A 15-year-old schoolgirl has died after suffering catastrophic injuries when an ‘out of control’ Lamborghini mounted a pavement and hit her.
Sophia Naismith died instantly in the horror smash which happened outside a Chinese restaurant in Adelaide, Australia, just before 10pm on Saturday.
She had been walking with her best friend, Jordyn Callea, also 15, who suffered non-life threatening injuries and is in a stable condition in hospital.
The white supercar – with the numberplate ‘PSYKO’ – reportedly hit a sign post and tree, before colliding with the schoolgirls.
Restaurant owner Kiet Tran was closing up when the crash unfolded in front of his business.
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He told the Advertiser: “We were cleaning up …(and) I heard a big bang — The car went into my front door.”
Mr Tran rushed out to check on the girls but he immediately knew Sophia had died.
“I said ‘she’s gone’,” he continued.
“(The driver) tried to pick her up and I said ‘no, don’t touch her’ (because) we’re not professionals. He was really calm.”
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Mr Tran added that a female passenger in the car was crying and yelling.
When approached by 9News the wife of the driver described the incident as a ‘freak accident’ and said her husband had been driving within the speed limit.
Tributes have now been paid to Sophia, who has been described as an accomplished student and talented athlete.
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Friend Jordyn, who was by Sophia’s side and also injured in 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.”
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Principal Toni Carellas also issued a statement on Monday morning, describing Sophia as a “popular and vibrant” student who “brought a huge amount of positive energy to everything she did”.
“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 gifted athlete and brilliant academically.
“Her contribution to school life across the board, but in particular to our volleyball program, will be missed enormously by her teammates, friends and teachers alike.
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“At the moment our focus is on wrapping our arms around our community.”
Schoolmate Daisy Page, 16, described Sophia as “the most caring, nicest girl ever”.
While in a heartbreaking statement, Sophia’s family said: “Nothing prepares you for times like this. Sophia was the centre of our universe.
“Our cherished first born. Best friend to her sisters. Adored by her grandparents. Admired by her aunts, uncles and cousins. Good friend to many. Loved by all.
“Everything has changed.
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“She was an accomplished state volleyballer, gymnast, soccer player and a popular and gifted student.
“Our lives will never be the same again.
“We want to thank our precious family and friends for their love and support in such a distressing time.
“We also want to thank the paramedics and police who came to Sophia’s aid.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sophia’s friend Jordyn who was injured in the accident.”
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The Lamborghini Huracan, which features in a number of videos on social media, had been at a car show in the hours leading up to the fatal crash.
A 37-year-old man was arrested and charged with death by dangerous driving and causing injury by dangerous driving.
He has been bailed to appear in court on July 31.
