Popular Toowoomba hairdresser dies
- Nikkii Joyce
- 19th August 2008
Toowoomba teenager Alex Manning.
POPULAR Toowoomba teenager Alex Manning has died exactly one week after a day trip with her best friend to the Gold Coast took a tragic turn.
The 19-year-old was injured after the blue convertible she was in and another car collided at Southport at 12.20pm on August 10, according to police.
Friends spoke yesterday of their shock at the death of the bubbly and vivacious hairdresser. Her death followed a long week of fears for her survival.
“She will be deeply missed. When one of her clients came in today, she just burst into tears,” Silk Hairdressing co-worker Tina Donaldson said.
“She was beautiful, bubbly and vivacious. Looking at it I still can't quite believe she's gone,” Ms Donaldson said as she looked at images capturing Alex having fun with close friends at this year's Weetwood races.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Miss Manning's former school principal Chris Zilm, from Toowoomba State High School.
“She overcame some big hurdles in her life and, to be enjoying her life so much and then this, is just terrible.”
As the week progressed, the extent of Miss Manning's brain injuries became evident and she died before her family had to make the heart-breaking decision to turn off life support.
Her mother and her family had gone to the coast to be by her side.
Police said Miss Manning died as a result of serious injuries suffered in the crash.
A spokesperson from Police Media said the teenager's car was travelling east along Smith Street when it and a vehicle coming from the opposite direction collided.
“The 19-year-old driver of the car, and a passenger in the second vehicle, were also transported to the Gold Coast Hospital at the time,” she said in a statement released yesterday.
The driver of the car carrying Miss Manning suffered serious injuries, according to police.
“A passenger in the second vehicle was transported to the Gold Coast Hospital with minor injuries,” the Police Media spokesperson said.
Forensic officers are investigating the crash and have requested public assistance.
“She was a very lively and a very nice young girl who was really independent, and there will be those here who will know her more than others,” school principal Mr Zilm said, adding that a formal announcement would not be made.
Ms Donaldson said flowers had been arriving steadily at the Westridge hair salon since the news had spread.
She said Miss Manning had left a lasting impression with her on their first meeting at Alex's job interview 18 months before.
“Her family are devastated as you would imagine. It's expected to be a huge funeral,” Ms Donaldson said.
Details have not been announced.
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