Family and friends have been left heartbroken following the teen’s tragic passing as she battled massive head and chest injuries suffered in the August 3 crash near her home town of Dimbulah, 110km west of Cairns.
Tributes have poured in from the teen’s modeling agency BLAK, as well we pageant organisers.
“Elyse will always be remembered for her beautiful soul, charismatic charm and kind heart,” wrote Miss World Australia organisers.
“Elyse’s inner beauty truly exemplified her outer. Elyse’s potential was limitless; we had faith Elyse would take the title of Miss World in future years.
“She encompassed the essence and ability required to become the international supermodel she aspired to be.”
A statement on the Prayers for Elyse Facebook page confirmed her passing.
“We are absolutely devastated to announce Elyse Miller-Kennedy passed away yesterday afternoon at Townsville Hospital Intensive Care Unit, surrounded by beloved family and friends after losing her week long battle to live after a tragic head on collision on Wednesday 3rd August 2016,” the post read.
“Elyse will always be a shining light in the hearts of Far North Queensland, known for her caring nature, love of her family and incredible natural inner and outer beauty.
We would like everyone to remember… the warmth she showed to all, her humbleness during her journey throughout her larger than life experiences and of course the generous sweet soul and friend she was to so many.”
The accident came just weeks after the Year 12 student received her driver’s license. Police have revealed Elyse was not at fault for the crash, with reports she collided with a car driven by two French backpackers which was travelling on the wrong side of the road.
“Elyse was driving back from the Mareeba direction and was on the correct side of the road,” Senior Constable Lee Chamberlain said.
