Irish girl, 4, killed in Australia crash as ‘shattered’ family pay tribute amid ‘every parent’s worst nightmare’ ordeal

A IRISH couple whose four-year-old daughter was killed in a car crash in Australia last week have issued an emotional update.

Layna Leavy died after the car she was travelling in with her mum and eight-year-old brother collided with a Ford Mustang in Canning Vale, Perth last Wednesday afternoon.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 29-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries in the crash.

The scene of the accident has since been adorned by hundreds of floral bouquets, teddy bears, and dolls.

The little girl’s parents Graeme and Saoirse Leavy had emigrated from Dublin to Australia two years ago with Layna and their son Glen.

They have since become an important part of the community in the suburb of Canning Vale and a GoFundMe has been set up as a gesture of support for the family.

They fundraiser reads: “Layna Leavy was four years old, a little girl with an infectious smile and a warmth that filled every room she walked into.

“In less than two years, Layna had already woven herself into the hearts of so many here in Australia and across the community they had left behind in Ireland. No words can describe the depth of this loss.

“Her family are living through every parent’s worst nightmare, and every donation, no matter the size goes directly to them, to ease the financial burden and give them the space they need to grieve, to heal, and to honour their beautiful girl.”

There has already been nearly €40,000 raised on the GoFundMe page.

In an update today the family said they were deeply touched by the outpouring of support since Layna’s tragic death last week.

They said: “We are completely overwhelmed and not yet able to find the words to express what this means to us.

“To every single person who gave, shared, who lit a candle and left flowers at the roadside, you have wrapped your arms around our family when we need it most.”

Last week, Saoirse posted a tribute to Layna online, saying the family’s hearts had been “shattered into a million pieces”.

She said: “Four years on this earth was never long enough. I hope you felt nothing but love in your life and loved every single adventure we went on.

“I hope you continue to sing and dance in the sky and forever in our hearts.”

Last weekend, her dad Graeme shared a video on social media of Layna playing and dancing with her brother, along with the comment: “You were the happiest child and brought me so much joy.

“Mammy, Daddy and Glen love you so much princess, you will always be in my heart because in there you are still alive.”