Rickie, 20, was a 2012 graduate of Cootamundra High School and just one month away from celebrating her 21st birthday.

She was a passenger in the rear of a Holden stationwagon being driven by Adam Perrim, 19, last Thursday.

Mr Perrim was wanted on breach of parole charges and allegedly led police on a high-speed pursuit between Cootamundra and Wallendbeen at around 7pm.

Police called off the pursuit for safety reasons but found the stationwagon crashed into a culvert near Wallendoon Lane soon afterwards.

Rickie died at the scene, whilst another female passenger and Mr Perrim were taken to Cootamundra Hospital with minor injuries.

The Cootamundra Herald is respecting the family’s wish for privacy at this time, and contacted Rickie’s best friend Taylor Elphick to write some words in honour of her much-loved friend.

“She had the most amazing smile, it could light up a room straight away,” Taylor said.

“She was always there, whether it was just dropping in, or our crazy sleepovers, she never broke a promise. 

“Rickie loved her family.

“She was very protective of all of them, and of my mum and me.

“She will be forever with me and everyone who knew her.”

Rickie’s friends have also taken to Facebook to post their tributes to the bubbly young lady, many expressing shock and disbelief at the sudden loss.

“Sitting in the same place we had our last conversation, having one last smoke with you before I accept that we will never have another drink,” Celeste Bates wrote.

“I hope when you were reunited with your dad, you were finally at peace.

“Fly high darling. Love you.”

Mr Perrim is facing eight charges related to the crash and Rickie’s death.

He appeared before Wagga Court on Monday via video link from Junee Correctional Centre.

His solicitor David Barron said Mr Perrim asked for “his sincere apology and regret at the death of Rickie-lee” to be put on the record.

Magistrate Erin Kennedy adjourned the case to Cootamundra Local Court on Monday July 6.