Outpouring of grief for Colombian student killed when a Honda HRV hit her motorcycle from behind – as the SUV driver is charged over the crash
A Colombian student who died when a car allegedly hit her motorcycle has been remembered as 'playful and happy'.
Maria Alejandra Landazabal Contreras was waiting at a red light in Moorebank, south-west Sydney, when a Honda HR-V allegedly struck her from behind about 11.35pm on Saturday.
The 27-year-old was rushed to Liverpool Hospital with severe head and internal injuries but died the next morning.
Maria Alejandra Landazabal Contreras died on Sunday after a Saturday night crash
The Honda HR-V allegedly hit Ms Contreras's motorcycle about 11.35pm on Saturday
Ms Contreras moved from Colombia to Sydney earlier this year and was staying with host Rosa Rutte in Engadine, where she helped care for Ms Rutte's twin daughters.
'She made an instant connection with my daughters and reminded me of myself when I came to Australia as a student,' Ms Rutte told The Daily Telegraph.
'She had a kid's soul, she will play with my daughter hide and seek, she do their nails and their hairs , she prepared delicious desserts.'
Ms Rutte said Ms Contreras's death was 'still very surreal for all of us' saying she had her whole life ahead of her.
'She had so many dreams to fulfil. She loved travelling, she was planning to travel through Asia while she was studying in Australia.'
Ms Contreras moved from Colombia to Sydney earlier this year and was staying with host Rosa Rutte and her family in Engadine
Ms Contreras has been remembered as 'playful and happy' following her tragic death
Police allege Wilbert Gabrielle Guevara, 32, from Doonside, was behind the wheel of the SUV which hit Ms Contreras.
He has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death – drive in a manner dangerous, negligent driving occasioning death, not stop at red light and drive whilst disqualified.
Guevara was due to appear in Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday but is still in hospital being treated for his injuries.
The matter will return to court on September 28 as a report is prepared for the coroner.