The devastated family of a promising young soccer player who was killed in a hit-and-run incident has pleaded for the driver to come forward.
Natasha Gadd, 19, died after she was hit by a utility truck in Milperra, Sydney’s south-west, about 4.30am on Sunday.
The 19-year-old’s family begged the driver of the white ute to turn himself in after they failed to stop and sped off, leaving Natasha dead on the side of the road.
‘You took an innocent child away from her friends and family in a flick of a switch, how could you even sleep at night,’ Natasha’s cousin Krystylez said.
Natasha Gadd, 19, died after she was hit by a ute in Milperra, Sydney’s south-west, about 4.30am on Sunday
‘Come forward you coward, and face what you did.
‘We won’t let them get away with this.’
Witnesses of the hit-and-run reported Natasha was hit by an older model white Toyota ute with a refrigeration unit on the tray.
The ute, which reportedly lost its side mirror in the collision, was seen leaving the crash scene and travelling south on Henry Lawson Drive.
Attempts from friends and paramedics to revive Natasha were unsuccessful.
Witnesses of the hit-and-run reported Natasha (pictured) was hit by an older model white Toyota ute with a refrigeration unit on the tray
Paramedics were unable to revive Natasha when they arrived on scene on Sunday
Mel Gadd said Natasha (pictured) was thrilled because she was just promoted from state league women’s soccer, to premier league
The 19-year-old was walking to a friend’s house when she was hit.
Natasha’s aunt Mel Gadd said her niece was an extremely talented soccer player, with a promising career ahead of her.
She said Natasha was thrilled because she was just promoted from state league women’s soccer, to premier league.
Natasha’s cousin Danny Stone said he was struggling to come to terms with the news.
‘I couldn’t believe it,’ he said.
In an emotional plea, Mr Stone also called on the driver of the white ute to hand themselves in.
‘To the (person) who killed my cousin this morning at Henry Lawson speeding, you better hope the cops find you before I do,’ Natasha’s cousin Danny Stone said.
Since news broke of the tragedy on Sunday morning, Natasha’s family and friends took to social media to share their disbelief and sadness at the loss.
Friends look on in disbelief following the crash which killed 19-year-old Natasha Gadd
‘Honestly lost for words. It was a blessing to have met you and worked alongside you. Such a sweet soul, and will be dearly missed. So much love for your family during this time,’ one woman said.
‘She fought for everything she wanted and gave nothing but unconditional love. Thank you for your constant kindness and laughter,’ another woman said.
Emotional tributes for the young athlete continued, with one woman saying: ‘I will forever miss you and your beautiful soul’.
Police investigating the fatal incident have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
The investigation is ongoing.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner outlining the full circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
Police are appealing for witnesses after the driver of a white Toyota utility vehicle failed to stop at the scene on Henry Lawson Drive
