A teenage girl has lost her life in a devastating 4WD rollover following a camping trip with friends near Lake Brockman, south of Perth.
Caitlyn Bragger, 15, was one of six teenagers riding in a Toyota LandCruiser when the vehicle rolled over around 8pm on Saturday. Her 16-year-old boyfriend is believed to have been driving at the time of the accident.
In Western Australia, provisional driving permits are not issued until the age of 17, making the driver underage and unlicensed.
Emergency services rushed the 16-year-old driver and a 17-year-old boy to Bunbury Regional Hospital. An 18-year-old male and two 16-year-old girls sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Caitlyn’s death has left her family and community devastated. A close family friend, Mekayla Cowcher, told Daily Mail Australia that the family holds no hatred toward the young driver, acknowledging the tragic nature of the incident.
“What happened was a tragic accident, and we know in our hearts that Caitlyn would have forgiven him, just as she always led with love and understanding,” Cowcher said.
“She loved him deeply. We understand that teenagers make mistakes and poor decisions, and sadly, some carry unimaginable consequences. He now has to live with the weight of his mistake and regrets for the rest of his life—a burden far greater than any punishment. Our hope is that he finds healing, just as we try to do the same.”
Caitlyn was remembered for her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors. She found joy in camping, four-wheel driving, and beach outings—activities that brought her genuine happiness.
Her family expressed their heartbreak, describing themselves as “broken and in pieces” after losing their “beautiful girl.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family during this painful time. The fundraiser described Caitlyn as a vibrant presence in the lives of those around her: “She brought a ray of sunshine everywhere she went… so outgoing and never left a dull moment in life. Known for her kindness, unique sense of humour, and devotion to her family and friends.”
The campaign also paid tribute to her short life: “Forever 15, forever in our memory and hearts. Our Angel In Heaven.”
By Tuesday, the online fundraiser had already received $9,000 in donations.
Caitlyn’s aunt, Danica Pierce, also shared her grief, saying: “You are going to be so missed, now an angel in heaven but way too young, my heart breaks.”
Eyewitnesses described the crash scene as harrowing. One witness, Jett, told the ABC that the wreckage resembled a “smashed tin can.”
“When I walked up there, there was a massive four-wheel-drive that had been smashed like a tin can, it was scary to see,” he recalled. “There were so many people running towards the car and trying to help, but there’s only so much you can do in that situation.”
Another witness, Rocquo, said he managed to rip open a rear door to free one of the male passengers. He described the moment as overwhelming.
“It was a shock because you feel hopeless because you can’t do anything and we were trying to pick the roof up and get everyone out, but you can’t do anything and it’s just sad,” he said.
WA Police and Major Crash investigators continued examining the site of the crash on Monday. Authorities have asked anyone with video footage of the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation.
To help support Caitlyn’s family and honor her memory, a karaoke fundraiser night is scheduled for Friday at the Australind Tavern. Ms Cowcher said the event aims to “bring the community together” during this period of mourning.
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