Cairns community light candles for crash victim Savannah Spence Paige

Dozens gathered at Fogarty Park in Cairns, Far North Queensland, for a community vigil to remember Savannah Spence Paige, 25, who died in a multi-vehicle crash on the Smithfield Bypass. Paige was killed on Wednesday, August 5, when her car was hit by a utility vehicle allegedly stolen from Palm Cove just minutes before the collision.

Vigil organizer Shinae West said she felt the community needed a place to grieve together. "In honour of her life, and Cairns getting together and grieving together with the family, is really what it's about," West stated. She shared that Ms. Spence Paige's death resonated deeply, as her own family experienced a similar tragedy when her brother was killed in a car accident in 2007.

“

In honour of her life, and Cairns getting together and grieving together with the family, is really what it's about.

Ms. Spence Paige's family expressed gratitude for the community's outpouring of support, stating they were touched by the vigil plans. They remembered her as someone with an "incredible sense of humour and a kind and caring heart," adding, "She has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled." The family noted she had recently begun a new life in Cairns with her husband, Lachlan.

Jake Edward Warn, 36, has been charged with manslaughter and four other offenses related to the crash. Police prosecutors are considering upgrading the charge to murder. Ms. Spence Paige's husband, Lachlan, attended the vigil with other family and friends. Attendees like Jenna Shingles expressed shock, noting that her own 17-year-old daughter had driven the same bypass just half an hour before the crash, highlighting how easily it could have been anyone.

“

She has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.