A community in Far North Queensland is mourning the loss of Savannah Spence Paige, 25, who died Wednesday after a vehicle, allegedly stolen, crashed into two other cars. The incident occurred in Smithfield, Cairns.
Police allege Jake Edward Warn, 36, stole a Toyota Landcruiser utility from Palm Cove at 1:10 p.m. Just 15 minutes later, the vehicle reportedly collided with a Toyota RAV4 and a Subaru Impreza on the Smithfield Bypass. Ms. Paige, the sole occupant of the Toyota RAV4, died at the scene.
Her family released a statement through the Queensland Police Service, remembering her as a vibrant individual with a radiant smile, a sharp sense of humor, and a kind heart. "She has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled," the statement read. "Savannah and Lachie (her husband) were only just beginning the next chapter of their lives together. They had built a new home and community in Cairns and were excited about the future they were creating."
Ms. Paige and her husband, Lachie Paige, were approaching their second wedding anniversary at the end of the month. They had recently established a home in Cairns after living in Sydney and the Gold Coast. They shared their home with two dogs, Hazel and Marley.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Mr. Paige, who is self-employed as a carpenter and does not have access to paid leave. The campaign aims to ease his financial burden and allow him time to grieve.
A candlelight vigil for Ms. Paige is scheduled to take place in Fogarty Park on Sunday night.
Following the fatal collision, four individuals were transported to the hospital with injuries. Authorities reported that after the crash, Warn allegedly entered another Toyota and forced the 71-year-old male driver to take him from the scene. The driver was not physically harmed. Warn was apprehended by police nearly an hour later and taken to Cairns Hospital for treatment.
Warn faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, stealing a vehicle, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and driving while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. He was denied bail and was expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on Friday. Police are continuing their investigation and are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with relevant information or dashcam footage to come forward.