I am deeply saddened to report that Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Walsh, daughter of AVO committee members Jason and Dawn Walsh, was tragically killed yesterday afternoon in a car accident. I don’t want to go into details here, but it would appear that Charlotte was a passenger in a car that was struck by another vehicle. We believe she died instantly.

Charlotte was 18 last week, and had passed her driving test only a few days earlier.

Anyone who knew Charlotte will remember her as a beautiful character with such an infectious smile and lust for life. A more genuine and down to earth person you really could not wish to meet, and her death will have a huge effect on all of us. I personally have many happy memories of her that I will treasure for a long, long time.

A good many of the users on here know the Walsh family personally, and will understand how devastating this is for them. Charlotte was far more than just one of the family. She was their best mate. I cannot even begin to comprehend how they feel today, nor can I express my own feelings. I just cannot find the words.

Our thoughts are with Jason, Dawn, Sam and Danny at this time.

Rest in Peace, Lottie. You will be sorely missed by so many people whose lives you touched in a very special way.

A thread of condolences can be found here on the AVO Forum