Michaela Meade
Tributes are flowing for a “beautiful” 15-year-old Werribee girl who died following a crash in Hoppers Crossing on Saturday night.
Makuini Rikiti was involved in an incident on Old Geelong Road, where an allegedly stolen Subaru Liberty rolled.
She was taken to hospital and later died from her injuries.
A 16-year-old Werribee boy was charged with culpable driving causing death.
A 15-year-old Tarneit girl was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and theft.
Both were remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.
A 17-year-old Point Cook boy was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and was bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.
Friends and family have taken to social media to remember Makuini, with many posting that the young girl will be “resting in paradise”.
“I’m so sorry to hear of this news my sis… so young!! May she Rest In Peace,” one post read.
Another wrote, “Rest in paradise beautiful girl. Sending you all our aroha and condolences our whanau, Kia kaha.”
A tribute made for the 15-year-old said, “My heart aches for you my darling kuini.”
“Words can’t describe how sad I am, it feels like I only saw you the other day, my heart melts for you darling.
“It’s like we were all laughing together yesterday when I heard the news everything around me felt like it all stopped.
“I love you so much sweetheart till the day I see you again baby girl fly high princess [sic].”
Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.
