Milla Killeen, a Year Seven student who tragically died in a bus rollover north-west of Geelong in Victoria, has been remembered as a “beautiful soul with the whole world in front of her” by her family.
On Wednesday morning, a Christian College Geelong bus transporting 28 primary and high school students rolled over as it turned left onto Hamilton Highway, the Geelong Adviser reports. The incident sparked a major emergency response, with some students sustaining serious injuries.
A 12-year-old girl tragically died at the scene and has since been identified as Year Seven student, Milla Killeen.
In a statement, obtained by 9News, Killeen’s family said they were “struggling to come to terms” with the loss of their loved one.
“We were made aware of the crash quite quickly, but it wasn’t for several hours that our worst fears were realised — Milla was the one that was sadly taken,” the family shared.
“We don’t know why this has happened.
“It’s difficult to describe all the emotions we feel right now, but we are supporting one another and now ask that our family’s privacy is respected.”
Her family added that she was a “patient girl” who was “kind and protective of those she loved”, especially her young brother.
“Milla was thriving at school, where she loved learning new languages,” the family added.
“It brought us great joy when she would come home and try to teach her nan bits of Indonesian or Japanese that she’d learned throughout the day.
“Milla was very artistic, enjoyed drawing and designing lots of different things and she loved her sport.”
The family went on to reflect on her passion for sports, revealing that she had been focusing on basketball and that she was about to play a final game this Friday.
“She used to play junior footy but lately had been focusing on basketball, where she reached representative level and was about to play in a final on Friday night,” the family shared.
Try Boys Basketball Club, Milla’s basketball club, shared a heartfelt tribute for their beloved teammate, remembering the student for her “easygoing nature and infectious smile”.
“Milla had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into,” the club shared in a Facebook post.
“She quickly endeared herself to teammates, coaches, and the wider community, not just as a talented player who proudly represented us at Jamboree, JCC, and in the FDP but as a beautiful soul who brought joy wherever she went.
“Milla will forever be remembered, not only for her talent, but for the kindness, warmth, and spirit she brought to all those around her. We ask the family’s privacy be respected as they mourn this tragedy.
“Our hearts are with Milla’s parents, Erin and Marty, her little brother Harvey, and all her extended family, friends, teammates and coaches during this unimaginable time.”
Christian College Geelong’s executive principal, Dr. Mathilda Joubert, also shared a statement on the school’s social media, remembering the Year Seven student for her “beautiful personal qualities, her vibrancy and infectious personality. Her kindness, warmth and joy impacted all who shared her company”.
“Milla was a keen and talented basketballer, and an integral part of the Christian College representative team at the recent State Championships,” it wrote.
“She was a treasured member of our College community, and her loss is deeply felt by all staff, students and our Christian College families. This is a time of unimaginable loss.
“Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with Milla’s family, and our college will continue to provide ongoing support.”
Further in the statement, Dr. Joubert confirmed that the school will be providing support for students and their families.
“We ask that the family’s privacy, and that of our College community, be respected as we mourn this tragedy together,” Joubert penned.
Per 9News, a total of 24 students were taken to the hospital following the tragic rollover, with a 16-year-old boy sustaining serious injuries, nine students with non-life-threatening injuries, and 14 more students being taken for observation.
Dave Shearer, Ambulance Victoria’s acting manager, said there were some “incredibly distressed” parents who attended the scene of the crash, with Detective Sergeant Paul Lineham adding the incident was “incredibly confronting” for first responders.
The 76-year-old man who was driving the bus was discharged from the hospital and was interviewed by authorities at Geelong Police Station. He has since been released pending further investigations into the incident.
Per the publication, the driver had passed the preliminary blood and alcohol testing at the scene, and will have more blood work done.
The cause of the crash is currently unknown.
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage of the rollover that could help investigations to contact Crime Stoppers.
Image source: 9News / Facebook
The post Tributes Flow For 12 Y.O. Milla Killeen Who Tragically Died In A Bus Crash Near Geelong appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
