An aspiring roller derby star died in a tragic car crash just a month after her teammate collapsed and died suddenly.
21-year-old Caitlyn Dean suffered severe injuries on July 10 after colliding with a truck while driving to work in Bauple, Queensland.
Nearly three weeks later, on July 29, Dean succumbed to her injuries. She is now being remembered as a kind and much-loved person who played for the Coastal Junior Roller Derby under the name Tainted Halo.
In a tribute to her daughter, devastated mom Marion branded the young woman as a “loved sister” and “dearly loved daughter.”
Meanwhile, dozens of tributes from family, friends, and other well-wishers poured in.
“Way too young and beautiful to leave this earth way too soon, bless her and her family. Breaks my heart,” someone wrote.
“So sorry to hear you lost your daughter. Losing a child is very painful. Cherish the memories, fly high sweet angel,” another expressed.
Speaking out was also Caitlyn’s close friend, Amy Todd, who credited the roller skater with saving her life.
“Since we first met as kids we knew we were soul bound, even years apart could never break us. Today I feel like I have lost a part of my soul. I will miss you everyday, think about you every night,” she said.
“I love you Caitlyn, you saved my life. Fly high and return to wonderland.”
The tragic news comes just a month after Dean’s teammate, Keira Dascoli-Guymer, died after collapsing suddenly.
“She didn’t have a heart attack … her heart just stopped and they don’t know why. It’s hard to try and accept they don’t know, and we may never know,” the 18-year-old girl’s grieving mom revealed.
She added: “Roller derby is generally a sport that is full of outcasts and people who have their own unique personalities, and very caring people. Once (Keira joined the sport) she finally felt she fit in.”
Our thoughts remain with Keira and Caitlyn’s loved ones during this challenging time.