A 16-year-old girl died, while her 10-year-old sister is in an induced coma.
Taylor Swift (Source: Twitter)
Tragedy struck the Pokarier family last Thursday (15 February) when 16-year-old Mieka tragically passed away when the SUV, also carrying her mother and 10-year-old sister, collided with a semi-trailer. The family were driving from the Gold Coast to Melbourne to attend Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at the MCG.
9 News reports that the mother was treated at the scene and taken to hospital with minor injuries, while Mieka died at the scene. Her 10-year-old sister is at Westmead Hospital in Sydney and in an induced coma. An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The girls’ godmother, Karleigh Fox, started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family function during this horrific time.
“Last night one of my dearest friends was driving from the Gold Coast to Melbourne with two of her children (my god children) when they were involved in a front on collision with a semi trailer,” Fox wrote. “We are heartbroken to have lost one of her children (aged 16) whilst the 10 year old has been lifted to Westmead Hospital in critical condition, fighting for her life with brain injuries, a damaged pelvis and broken leg.”
Fox added, “This was supposed to be a road trip of a life time with them going to concerts in both Melbourne and Sydney.”
On Saturday (17 February), Fox issued an update on the 10-year-old girl’s condition, writing that she would be in an induced coma “for a few more days” so her body could “stay still and hopefully recover as much as possible.”
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You can find more updates and posts from Fox on the GoFundMe page. The Music’s thoughts are with Mieka’s family, friends and loved ones.
Taylor Swift just concluded three nights at Melbourne’s MCG and will continue her Eras Tour in Sydney. She performs at Accor Stadium on 23, 24, 25 and 26 February.
In a live review of Swift’s first show at the MCG, The Music’s Alasdair Belling wrote, “The Eras Tour is, first and foremost, Taylor Swift’s victory lap. But at three and a half hours long, it’s a victory marathon.”