Charge for crash driver
Police allege man affected by drugs during fatal car accident
FAMILY and friends of Charters Towers teenager Paige Gallon say they are hopeful justice will prevail, after a 21year-old man was charged this week over her death.
It is understood that Benjamin Bailey Halley, 21, will face Charters Towers Magistrates Court on December 14 charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.
Police will allege Mr Halley was affected by drugs when he crashed a car in which Paige, a 21-year-old woman and a 29year-old man were travelling on August 3 at Six Mile Creek k on the Flinders Highway.
“I love you beautiful. We can only hope justice prevails,” Peta-maree Richards wrote on Facebook.
“Every day we miss you baby girl and not one single day passes that we don’t wish you were still here,” Neeve Gallagher said.
“I love you forever Paigey.” Jamie Louise said “hopefully justice prevails”.
Family and friends continue to grieve heavily for the popular teenager who worked at Columba Catholic College after finishing school there.
A surprise birthday party was being planned for Paige, who was to turn 18 on October 16.
Many people reached out to wish her a happy heavenly birthday, sharing their memories of the fun-loving girl. “Never did I realise that I should of (sic) said I love you a lot more than I already did,” Paige’s cousin, Khameal Hartig, said.
“Unfortunately the stars are lucky to have you.”
“Today is bittersweet without you,” friend Logan Skye Owen said.
“I miss you more words can describe.”
Columba principal Candi Dempster said Paige was a well-loved and treasured student. than
“She will be remembered as a friendly and gentle soul who lived every day knowing that there were countless opportunities.
“It’s a tight-knit community … everyone treasures their families and children so when someone who is part of that family passes, it has its impacts on a wide range of people.
“She now rests in God’s loving embrace.”
Paige was survived by her parents, Nikki and David, and younger siblings Demi-lola and Jax.