Gut-wrenching tribute honouring aspiring model who was hit and killed when a car ploughed into her as she was chatting with friends is shared online - with three memorial services organised for the much-loved victim
Libby Ruge was walking through Wollongong on November 7 when she was fatally hit by a car after the passenger allegedly pulled up the handbrake and caused the driver to lose control
A heartbreaking online tribute has honoured the life of an aspiring model who was hit and killed by a car after the passenger allegedly pulled up the handbrake and caused the driver to lose control.
Libby Ruge, 19, was walking along Flinders Street in Wollongong with friends about 10.30pm on November 7 when a Toyota Camry mounted the kerb and ploughed into them.
Her boyfriend Luke Day was uninjured, while her friends Tye West and Eva Dean suffered broken bones.
Blogger Dea McBeath - who was asked to write the teenager's eulogy - said Ms Ruge's family held three different memorial services for her so all her loved ones could attend.
'She touched a lot of hearts and a lot of people wanted to be present, in any way that they could,' Ms McBeath wrote in an impassioned Facebook post.
'It was hell trying to organise that many people to attend the memorial . But we did it. Because that's what Lib deserved.'
Well-wishers have raised more than $45,000 for Ms Ruge's family in the wake of her death to pay for funeral costs and help them through the grieving process.
Libby Ruge pictured with her boyfriend Luke. Blogger Dea McBeath - who was asked to write Ms Ruge's eulogy - said Luke's 'heart was broken' by his girlfriend's death earlier this month
Ms McBeath said the young woman left a permanent impression on everyone she met.
'She taught people to live to the fullest. Libby was always busy. She was always into something, doing something. She rode horses, played the violin and the cello,' she said.
'She danced, she did cheerleading and trampolining. But what she did most, was love.'
The post mentioned the 19-year-old's boyfriend Luke - who 'loved Lib with all his heart and soul'.
'He's strong and holds it together. But then he cries too. He isn't afraid to let the world see that his heart is broken,' Ms McBeath wrote.
'He isn't afraid to let the world see he lost the love he was going to build a life with. He isn't afraid to reach out and tell people what he's feeling.'
The alleged driver of the Toyota Camry allegedly ploughed into the group of four with only one escaping injury
Ms McBeath said Ms Ruge , an aspiring model, left a permanent impression on everyone she met
Concluding her viral social media post - which has been shared more than 1,200 times - Ms McBeath asked mourners not to let their heart 'be filled with anger or hatred'.
'Find your life purpose. Live it. Share your pages. Share your story. Share Libby’s. But most of all, don't forget to love,' she wrote.
Her grieving mothers - Julie Harrison and Julie Ruge - were earlier supported by devastated family and friends as they placed a sunflower bouquet where their daughter died, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Her mothers left a final heartwarming, hand-written message to their daughter at the scene of the incident
Ms Ruge found comfort in holding Libby's favourite teddy bear, which was gifted by Luke, as well as the sneakers she was last wearing.
They left a final heartwarming, hand-written message to their daughter at the scene of the incident.
'My darling Libby,' the card read.
'We are so proud of you. We will love you forever. Until we meet again, Mummy and Jules.'
Libby's older sister Stevie, said she is trying to stay strong for her mothers and still couldn't believe what happened
Libby's older sister Stevie said she is trying to stay strong for her mothers and still can't believe what happened.
'I'm just trying to be strong for my mum. I just feel numb, I don't think it's actually hit me yet. She was my baby sister,' she said.
'Libby used to always say ''I love you'' every single time she walked out the door or when she hung up the phone. So tell your loved ones you love them every chance you get.'
She explained because Libby would not have her dream wedding, that her parents wanted to give her a 'beautiful funeral full of love and flowers'.
The alleged driver of the Toyota Camry allegedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the group of friends
Libby had graduated from Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts last year and was planning to study dentistry in 2021
The aspiring actress graduated from Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts just last year and had taken a gap year with plans to study dentistry in 2021.
The alleged driver of the car, Jaskaran Singh, 18, was charged with several offences related to dangerous and negligent driving.
He appeared in court on Monday where he was granted bail after spending six days in remand.
His passenger, Arpan Sharma, 21, was also charged with several dangerous driving offences after allegedly pulling up the handbrake which caused the crash.
He is yet to enter a plea but was granted bail.