A Life Cut Short
In a devastating turn of events, an award-winning novelist and sister of a Cold Chisel founding member was fatally struck by a driver who allegedly sped 40km/h above the limit in Perth.
Brenda Walker, 67, was just 700m from her home on a morning coffee run when tragedy struck on Kings Park Rd near Outram Rd in Kings Park on Tuesday.
Brenda was taken to Royal Perth Hospital but sadly could not be saved. Her family, including Cold Chisel star Don Walker, has been left “devastated” by her death.
Remembering a Kind and Generous Soul
Loved ones described Brenda as “such a kind, intelligent, caring and generous person who had a positive effect on many lives.” She will be dearly missed by many.
A Literary Legacy
Brenda Walker was a talented author of several novels, including Reading by Moonlight, The Wing of Night, Crush, One More River, and Poe’s Cat.
She also taught literature and creative writing, leaving a lasting impact on her students. Tributes have begun pouring in from the literary community, with her agent Peter Straus describing her as “a brilliant writer and a very thoughtful and lovely person.”
A University Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Staff Member
The University of Western Australia, where Brenda taught, has expressed its condolences, saying “Our thoughts and condolences are with Professor Walker’s family and friends at this time.”
A Life-Changing Teacher
One person who was deeply affected by Brenda’s teachings took to social media to pay tribute, saying she “changed my life” and that her death is a “massive loss to Australian literature.” The tribute read: “She was a teacher who changed my life with her great encouragement and her astute methods… She got into a lot of corners of my life because you only meet a proper guru every so often. It tends to affect you. Her memory will be a monument.”
Justice Served?
A 30-year-old man, Lucas Martins Da Silva from Osborne Park, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death in circumstances of aggravation. He allegedly drove erratically in a Toyota Yaris, striking Brenda at 97km/h in a 60km/h zone. Da Silva has withdrawn his bail application and will remain in custody until his next court appearance in January.