A grieving mother has shared her heartbreak following the tragic deaths of her 10-year-old daughter and the child's stepmother in a devastating car accident.
Sarah Gorman has opened up about losing her daughter Arliyah James, whom she described as her 'wild child', alongside 36-year-old Lisa. Both were discovered deceased after their vehicle plunged into a dam on Queensland's Fraser Coast in Australia.
Crash on Springvale Road
The collision occurred on Springvale Road in Tinana South on Thursday afternoon, 8 October, when their car left the roadway and entered the dam.
In a heartfelt tribute, Arliyah's mother said: "The one who kept me on my toes and made all our hearts burst with love. Love you all the way below the fishes and all the way up, up above with the clouds where you now are our lil angel."
"My heart will forever be missing it's beat my baby. I love you so much, I'm so sorry my baby."
Emergency response and rescue attempt
Emergency services, including police, fire crews and first responders, rushed to the rural Queensland location shortly before 5.30pm after reports emerged that a blue Subaru Tribeca had crashed into the dam.
The two were believed to be heading towards Maryborough to pick up other children from school when their car veered off the road, broke through fencing and submerged in the water. Both 36-year-old Lisa and the young girl were located inside the submerged car and declared dead at the scene.
Arliyah's father, Steve James, reportedly started looking for the pair after receiving word from the school that the children hadn't been picked up. He discovered the car overturned in the dam, with a local farmer immediately diving into the water to assist in rescuing his daughter and partner.
Community tributes and investigation
Maryborough Patrol Group Inspector Paul Algie characterised the deaths as a "horrible tragedy" that had left the local community reeling. He told 7News: "That property owner is a hero."
"What he did was incredibly brave and incredibly traumatic, given that the lady's partner was right with him at the time."
Arliyah's relative, Summah Brakenridge, recalled the young girl as vibrant and spirited. "She was full of life, she was the most beautiful big smile, full of energy," she said. "Just an absolutely down-to-earth, beautiful little girl. That will never be forgotten."
Floral tributes have subsequently been placed near the dam in memory of the pair.
An inquiry has been initiated by the Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit, with the events preceding the incident remaining unclear. Authorities say they are examining whether excessive speed or lack of driver attention may have played a role in the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses dashcam or CCTV material has been encouraged to get in touch with police.
