Tributes flow after teenager Lucy Williams’ death in accident near Balclutha

Tributes have been paid to a “bright, cheerful and outgoing” teenager who died on December 26 after a car accident near Balclutha earlier this month.

Columba College alumna Lucy Williams, 17, died on December 26, after spending several weeks on life support at Dunedin Hospital.

He was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident, on State Highway 1, south of Balclutha, on December 5.

Yesterday, Lucy’s aunt, Jackie Ollerenshaw, and Columba’s director, Pauline Duthie, spoke to the Otago Daily Times, helping to paint a picture of a vivacious and sporty young woman with a bright future ahead of her.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Ollerenshaw said that the “farmer” from Kuriwao, near Clinton, was loved by family and friends for her kindness, quick wit and loyalty.

” We are a very close family and Lucy was more of a sister to my children than a cousin.

” The children absolutely adored her. They always said, ‘Lucy really plays with us; When is Lucy coming? ” ‘

She said that her niece’s “daring and cheeky” nature made her the “life of the party,” and she
it would leave a huge gap for all who knew her.

” She moved in so many circles both here in South Otago and Dunedin, and she was a
vital part of people’s lives. ”

A talented netball player, she also loved being outdoors at home on the farm.

Actually, it was an enigma.

” She would be on the farm cleaning, but still looking glamorous and always ready
for a selfie. ”

Her niece had started considering a career in early childhood education or beauty therapy, Ollerenshaw said.

Duthie said Lucy’s teammates, with whom she would have entered Year 13 next year, would feel her loss “acutely.”

” Our hearts go out to the Williams family. It’s an incredibly sad thing to happen to a lovely, bright girl who had her whole life ahead of her, ” Duthie said.

Said the guest was a “great all-rounder” that came close to everything he did
with an “appetite for life”.

Lucy was involved in everything. She was a really neat girl. ”

The school will offer additional pastoral support for students next quarter, Duthie said.

Lucy is survived by her parents Sean and Belinda, her sister Madi, 18, and her brother Sam, 15.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Clinton Community Center at 1.30pm on Saturday.