The Gold Coast Bulletin

TEEN ‘DID NOT DESERVE TO DIE’

- DAN KNOWLES

THE devastated mum of 17year-old Jade Dixson told the hundreds of mourners at the teen’s funeral her “beautiful”, “caring” and “sassy” daughter did not deserve to die in a car crash.

In an emotional farewell delivered beside Jade’s dad Mark, mum Julie Dixson yesterday told of “so many wonderful memories we will cherish forever” but also said they were sorry they could not protect her daughter from the fatal crash, that claimed her life on March 28.

“You were the most intelligen­t, caring, beautiful and of course sassy girl I have known,” her mum said.

“We were sorry if you thought that we were too protective, but that was our job.

“I am sorry I was not able to protect you at the end.

“You were loved with all our hearts and although you are gone you are forever in our hearts.”

“You did not deserve to die like this and for that I am sorry.

“It has been and honour and a privilege to call you our daughter.

“Fly high our beautiful angel.”

Dressed in bright colours at the request of the bubbly teen’s family, among those paying tribute to the football-mad high school student was her cousin and newly minted Commonweal­th Games gold medallist Tia-Clair Toomey.

Toomey, who kept a low profile at the ceremony at Maroochydo­re had dedicated her win in the 58kg class weightlift­ing to her “little cousin”.

Jade had planned to be in the crowd at Carrara Sport and Leisure Centre, cheering for Toomey.

“Unfortunat­ely my little cousin, she was only 17, was in a car accident last Tuesday and passed away,” Toomey said after the win.

 ??  ?? Commonweal­th Games gold medallist Tia-Clair Toomey at the funeral for her cousin Jade Dixson.
Commonweal­th Games gold medallist Tia-Clair Toomey at the funeral for her cousin Jade Dixson.
 ??  ?? Mum Julie Dixson is held by her eldest son as family and friends farewell Sunshine Coast teen Jade Dixson.
Mum Julie Dixson is held by her eldest son as family and friends farewell Sunshine Coast teen Jade Dixson.
 ??  ?? Tia-Clair Toomey’s cousin Jade Dixson, 17.
Tia-Clair Toomey’s cousin Jade Dixson, 17.

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