A RAY OF LIGHT

OUTPOURING OF GRIEF FOR WOMAN KILLED IN CRASH

A YOUNG woman killed in a horrific road crash at Black River has been remembered as a genuine role model.

Natalie Merritt, 20, died on Tuesday when her car and a truck collided on the Bruce Highway north of Townsville.

Her sister, Rose Merritt, said Natalie touched countless lives and was her best friend.

“I’m so proud of everything you accomplished and the happiness and love you gave me and so many others,” she wrote to her sister on social media. The beloved daughter and sister is believed to have recently moved back to Townsville from Brisbane

A YOUNG Townsville woman has been remembered as a genuine “role model” who touched countless lives in the days after she was killed in a horrific crash at Black River.

Natalie Merritt, 20, ( pictured) died on Tuesday night when her small car and a truck collided on the Bruce Highway north of Townsville.

Her sister, Rose Merritt, paid tribute to her “best friend”, saying Natalie taught her everything she knew.

“I’m so proud of everything you accomplished and so thankful for the happiness and love you gave me and so many others,” she wrote to her sister on social media.

The Forensic Crash Unit was reviewing CCTV and dashcam footage to piece together the final moments before the collision that left Natalie’s sedan crumpled on the side of the road.

The truck driver was assessed for minor injuries and taken to Townsville University Hospital.

The beloved daughter and sister is believed to have recently moved back to Townsville after living in Brisbane.

She is the fourth person to have died on the same stretch of highway in less than a year, following the sudden death of teenager Kurt Philpots in December.

His family successfully petitioned for $107 million worth of upgrades to the stretch of road, due to be completed next year.

The proposed upgrades will add another two lanes to the 5.2km section of the Bruce Highway between Veales Rd and Pope Rd, including another bridge.

The road is currently a single lane in either direction and caters for an average of 14,000 vehicles a day at a speed limit of 100km/h.

Queensland Police yesterday confirmed no charges had been laid in relation to the crash.