A devastating car crash in Perth has left a family shattered after a 24-year-old woman, Elizabeth Pearce, lost her life.
The incident occurred on Saturday night when a high-profile obstetrician, Rhys Bellinge, allegedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road and slammed into the Uber she was getting into.
A Life Cut Short
Elizabeth’s family is struggling to come to terms with the loss, saying “our world is shattered” and that their “beautiful, bright girl brought sunshine to our lives and we are now in darkness.”
The young woman was a promising marine biology student at UWA and had a bright future ahead of her.
She had also recently completed a summer internship with Woodside Energy, where her father works.
Tributes Pour In
Floral tributes and messages have been left at the scene of the crash, with loved ones remembering Elizabeth as a life “taken too soon.”
Her rideshare driver, 25, was also seriously injured and remains in ICU at Royal Perth Hospital.
Alleged Drunk Driver Charged
Rhys Bellinge, 45, has been charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.
Police allege he was drunk behind the wheel, with a blood alcohol level almost four times the limit, and was speeding at 130km/h before the crash.
Bellinge’s obstetrics practice has announced that he will be “unavailable for the time being” due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
A Family’s Grief
Bellinge’s father, Bruce Bellinge, has expressed his devastation for the victim and her family, saying “the grief and pain they must be feeling at this moment must be overwhelming.”
The accused will appear in court on Tuesday to learn if he will be granted bail.
A Community in Shock
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and outrage.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: a young life has been lost, and a family will never be the same.