Shock loss of a vivacious friend

A teenage girl who died following a crash in Longwarry on Wednesday has been described by the Drouin Secondary College school community as “compassionate and generous.” Georgia Larsen, 15 of Garfield, died in hospital on Wednesday after being airlifted to Melbourne with life threatening injuries suffered in a single vehicle collision earlier that day. She is the youngest daughter of Shannon and Tracey Larsen of Garfield. The DSC school community was in shock last week at the loss of a friend and student who they described as “vivacious, sparkly and enthusiastic.” A Go Fund Me page also has been set up by Georgia’s Drouin McDonald’s work colleagues and school friends to raise money for her family. Major Collision Investigation Unit police are investigating the fatal collision that occurred in Longwarry at about 8.30am on Wednesday morning. Police reported a white Mercedes sedan was travelling east along Evans Rd, near Knights Rd when it veered off the road and crashed into a tree. Georgia was a passenger in the vehicle. The driver, an 18-year-old Longwarry man, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Drouin Secondary College principal Deb Gentle said the college received the news with shock and disbelief. She said the tragic loss of a young person was the most difficult experience for a school community. “The loss for the Larson family is unimaginable. Nevertheless, their message through their grief is that they do not want other families to go through this experience. “In the sadness our students and staff are experiencing there are many conversations about Georgia as a friend and student,” she said. Ms Gentle said Georgia was very well known and regarded across the college and beyond. She attended Garfield Primary School and was a keen sports woman and valued team member, playing netball for Garfield and Cora Lynn. “Georgia’s friends speak about her as a compassionate and generous person. “She was vivacious, sparkly and enthusiastic. She would look out for friends and peers putting the needs of others first. “Georgia consistently demonstrated the college values of achievement, respect, commitment and community. “Her teachers valued her work ethic and independence. She had a strong sense of justice and was a vocal member of student population, expressing her views and supporting her peers. Ms Gentle said Georgia displayed a quiet confidence and was always willing to say hello and have a conversation with anyone. “The Drouin Secondary College community will celebrate Georgia’s personal qualities and achievements but mourn the loss of her place in our lives and the potential she possessed,” Ms Gentle said.

The Go Fund Me page, set up by Brodie Wyatt and Skye Kolar on behalf of Drouin McDonald’s and Drouin Secondary College, had yesterday raised almost $8000 towards a $15,000 goal for the Larsen family.

“We have created this page in efforts to help the Larsen family with any unexpected or extra financial costs during this time.

“Georgia was a loved member of the Drouin McDonald’s family and the wider community.

“Anyone who knew Georgia would agree that her bubbly smile and personality was contagious. She would light up any room she walked in,” they said.

Police are continuing investigations into the collision. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Photograph: DAVYD REID Above: Bouquets of flowers and messages of love adorn the tree in Evans Rd, Longwarry where 15-year-old Georgia Larsen suffered life threatening injuries in a single car collision on Wednesday morning. She later died in hospital.

Georgia’s family, friends, the Drouin Secondary College school community and fellow McDonald’s work colleagues are grieving the loss of a teenager described as “vivacious, sparkly and enthusiastic.” Photograph of Georgia (right) supplied to The Gazette.