Sonya Cash, of Wyndham, said that she saw Kelly for the last time on Tuesday, July 2, when she had been helping her break in a pony for her little brother, Eli. Kelly had been a horse rider since the age of three, Sonya said and recently had managed to see all of her extended family for dinner on Friday night.

“She was always an outdoor kid. There are so many ways to describe Kelly. Kelly was Kelly; there was only ever one Kelly and she was gorgeous,” Sonya said.

Kelly was being driven by her 19-year-old boyfriend in his Toyota Hilux ute when the vehicle hit a tree before rolling a number of times. The vehicle came to rest on its roof.

The couple were travelling east along Mount Darragh Road, about 18km from Pambula when the accident happened at about 9am. Sadly Kelly died at the scene. Her boyfriend, a P-plater, suffered minor injuries.

Both Kelly and her boyfriend came from the Wyndham area and the tragedy has affected the community where both have families.

The couple had been together for two years and only three months ago moved in together in Wyndham. “They were so happy,” Sonya said.

Tragically Sonya also lost her other daughter, Mia, five years ago to illness. Now she said that Kelly’s boyfriend would be the only son-in-law she would ever have.

Tributes and an outpouring of emotion have come in via Facebook for Kelly who was a student at Bega High School.

Staff at Bega High School quickly moved to post their own tribute to Kelly in which they said: “Most people reading this will already be aware that we lost one of our students, Kelly Wheatley of year 11, in tragic circumstances over the weekend. Kelly was, and will always remain, a precious member of our school community and we are devastated. 

We join our whole community in sending our love to all of her family and friends.

As a school, we are absolutely committed to doing all we can to support Tim and each of Kelly's friends, family members and teachers as we come to terms with her loss.”

The school is making plans to ensure that appropriate supports are in place when students return to school on Tuesday, July 16.

Kelly’s family and friends have been devastated by her loss. One friend, who heard while she was holidaying overseas, wrote: “Whilst enjoying this beautiful sunset I was given the phone call that you have passed, just as life was starting to look up I've now lost you. A friend I'll never forget I just wish I was home to say goodbye.”

Other friends wrote: “Friends forever! I’ll never forget what we had and the times we have shared. I miss you so much wish you were still here forever in our hearts beautiful kel bell.”

“You'll never be forgotten Kel. Always in our hearts.”

“Another beautiful soul taken way too early, rest easy Kel, you won't be forgotten!”  

Detective Sergeant Justin Marks, of Bega Police said: “She was a young girl who was very well liked and respected in our community. “

Sergeant Marks said that the driver had been taken to Pambula hospital for mandatory blood and alcohol tests. “We believe that alcohol was not a factor.”

Police are preparing an accident report for the coroner and are also appealing for any witnesses to contact them.

Bega High School has also posted the telephone numbers of those offering support with the message:

“In the meantime if you are struggling to cope with Kelly's loss, or are worried about a friend or family member, you can access support via this page or by contacting:

Mark Freedman on 0407929191, 

Denise Perry on 0427834854 or 

Doug Whitaker on 0451971703. 

Kids Helpline is also available on 1800 55 1800 or at www.kidshelp.com.au/.”

Sadly the school is no stranger to dealing with tragic events having comforted and supported students on several occasions in the past couple years.

The funeral service for Kelly Maree Wheatley will be held on Tuesday, July 16, at 2.30pm by the graveside at the Wyndham Cemetery.