Cootamundra resident Rickie-lee Atkinson, 20, has died following a high speed collision near Wallendbeen last night.
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Rickie-lee 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, of Wagga.
Mr Perrim was wanted on breach of parole charges and led police on a high-speed pursuit between Cootamundra and Wallendbeen at around 7pm last night.
He crashed trying to avoid a truck shortly after police abandoned the chase for safety reasons, Cootamundra Local Court heard this morning.
Police found vehicle crashed into a culvert near Wallendoon Lane.
Rickie-lee died at the scene, whilst another female passenger and Mr Perrim were taken to Cootamundra Hospital with minor injuries.
The Cootamundra Herald contacted Rickie-lee’s best friend Taylor Elphick to write a tribute to her friend.
[CORRECTION: the article originally incorrectly stated that Taylor contacted the Herald.]
“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 ever broke a promise.
“She will be forever with me and everyone who knew her.”
Rickie-lee’s friends have also taken to Facebook to post their tributes to the bubbly young lady.
“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.”
In speaking to the Herald, Celeste said Rickie-lee “deserves for everyone to know how incredible she was”.
“Everyone in town knew and loved her,” she said.
Many have also expressed shock and disbelief at the sudden loss.
“Still not sinking in beautiful girl, tell me it's all just one big sick joke,” Ambah Noorbergen wrote.
“I love you.”
“She was such a beautiful girl, her memory will live on,” Ambah said to the Herald.
Mr Perrim was refused bail in Cootamundra Local Court this morning.
He will appear before Wagga Court via video link on Monday May 25.
