Balloons released in tribute to 14-year-old crash victim
MORE than 50 colourful balloons were released in to the sky at Queens Park in Maryborough at lunchtime on Saturday, as mourners gathered to say their goodbyes to car crash victim Ophelia Silcox.
Scores of teens gathered at the park's rotunda today to share their messages of loss and sadness surrounding the tragic death of the 14-year-old Gundiah girl who was killed when a ute, driven by her 15-year-old sister Curtsie, struck a tree on Wednesday.
Messages were written on each brightly coloured balloon before they were cast into the sky at exactly 12.24pm - the time at which Ophelia passed away.
Both of Ophelia's older sisters attended the balloon tribute, sending their love into the sky along with friends and family.
"Ophelia was everything, she was happy, courageous and rebellious," Elizabeth Silcox said.
"She would have loved something like this because it's so colourful.
"She wouldn't have wanted to see everyone so sad."
Elizabeth said she hoped people would think of Ophelia before they made any big decisions.
"This whole thing is a healing experience as much as it is a learning experience," she said.
"And I think everyone is going to think about things a lot more now."
Curtsie said her sister was one of the best people she knew and was always a really colourful and energetic character.
"If she was here she was probably tell everyone to cheer up," she said.
"She was always just so happy all the time."
The details of Ophelia's funeral have not yet been confirmed.
