The family of a talented golfer killed in a high-speed crash in Sydney’s west say they are “heartbroken beyond belief”.
Doey Choi, 24, was on the back of boyfriend William Brown’s bike during a night ride on Tuesday when they collided with a car at Greenacre. The pair did not survive.
“Our family is heartbroken beyond belief,” Choi’s parents said in a statement issued via the WPGA Tour of Australasia.
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“Doey brought light and joy into our lives with her radiant smile and bubbly personality.
“Her presence was a blessing to all who knew her.
“We are deeply grateful for the support we have received from friends and the wider golfing community during this incredibly difficult time. Doey will be forever in our hearts and sorely missed.”
Her shattered coach told 7NEWS that Choi was a “bubbly effervescent character who always seemed to be smiling”.
“It’s just such a tragic waste of so much talent,” John Serhan said.
The WPGA, along with Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia, said Choi was a “tremendous golfer who proudly represented Australia”.
“Doey was an exceptionally valued member of the Australian golf community, which will remember her bright and happy personality, as well as incredible talent for our game,” the statement read.
Golf NSW and Jack Newton Junior Golf also shared their sadness over the devasting news.
“Doey’s unexpected passing is a profound loss not just for the golf community, but for all who knew her,” Golf NSW chairman Michael Medway said in a statement.
“Not only was Doey a remarkable player, but she was also a valued friend to many of us. Her bubbly smile, infectious personality and genuine warmth towards her peers will be sorely missed.
“Doey played our great game with passion, determination and grace.”
Choi’s career highlights include a NSW amateur title at the age of 13, a championship win in New Zealand and multiple national team titles while representing NSW.
In 2019, she “achieved the ultimate recognition in Australian amateur golf” by competing in the Queen Sirikit Cup and went pro in 2021.
“Doey will be remembered for her spirit, the joy she brought to so many of us and her contribution to golf in our great State,” Medway said.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and loved ones as they come to terms with this unimaginable loss.
“Words cannot fully express the depth of sorrow we feel.”
The pair had been riding in a convoy of up to 40 motorcyclists en route to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in inner Sydney when a Toyota Carolla allegedly turned at the intersection of the Hume Hwy and Worth St in Greenacre about 7pm.
Brown, 26, and Choi, a motorbike enthusiast, were thrown metres across the road.
Paramedics treated the pair, however, they died at the scene.
It has since emerged Brown’s bike was too powerful for his provisional licence and he should not have been carrying a pillion passenger.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said the Toyota driver should also not have been on the road because he was suspended.
“We have a situation where both the rider and the driver should not have been in that situation, and this reflects the ongoing challenge that NSW Police have,” McFadden said.
“The frustration comes from knowing that this was preventable.”
Friends said they had warned Brown the bike “is kind of fast for you – be careful”.
Loved ones paid their respects at the crash scene on Thursday, laying flowers and other tributes.
The motorcycle group has now set up a fundraiser to cover the cost of the pair’s funerals and their families have been invited to join a special ride-along next week.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.