The young student who died in the Stonehaven bus rollover has been identified as 12-year-old Milla Killeen from Teesdale.
Her family have provided the following statement via Victoria Police:
“Our whole family are struggling to come to terms with the loss of our beloved Milla.
We were made aware of the crash quite quickly, but it wasn’t for several hours that our worst fears were realised – Milla was the one that was sadly taken.
She was a beautiful soul with the whole world in front of her.
Milla had the patience of a saint.
She was so kind and protective of those she loved, especially her younger brother.
Milla was thriving at school where she loved learning new languages.
It brought us great joy when she would come home and try to teach her nan bits of Indonesian or Japanese that she’d learned throughout the day.
Milla was very artistic, enjoyed drawing and designing lots of different things and she loved her sport.
She used to play junior footy but lately had been focusing on basketball where she reached representative level and was about to play in a final on Friday night.
Milla was a passionate supporter of the Geelong Football Club, and we will always remember her sitting in the stands with her mum and pa, cheering for the Cats.
We don’t know why this has happened.
It’s difficult to describe all the emotions we feel right now but we are supporting one another and now ask that our family’s privacy is respected.”
Milla was a Year 7 student at Christian College Geelong, with Executive Principal Dr Mathilda Joubert sharing the following statement:
“Milla will be remembered for her beautiful personal qualities, her vibrancy and infectious personality. Her kindness, warmth and joy impacted all who shared her company.
Milla was a keen and talented basketballer, and an integral part of the Christian College representative team at the recent State Championships.
She was a treasured member of our College community, and her loss is deeply felt by all staff, students and our Christian College families.
This is a time of unimaginable loss.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with Milla’s family, and our college will continue to provide ongoing support.
In our deep grief, we are also coming together as a community to support one another, drawing strength from God, and the care and compassion that Milla herself demonstrated to others.
We ask that the family’s privacy, and that of our College community, be respected as we mourn this tragedy together.”
Geelong United Basketball have called Milla a talented young, having represented their Under 14 Girls 2 squad.
“Her love for the game, her teammates, and her bright spirit will be remembered by all in our community.
Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to Milla’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.
The entire Geelong United Basketball community stands with you in grief and support.”
Try Boys Basketball Club have similarly shared their heartbreak following her passing.
“Milla was a cherished part of our girls program at Try Boys, and her absence will be profoundly felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
With her easygoing nature and infectious smile, Milla had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into.
She quickly endeared herself to teammates, coaches, and the wider community, not just as a talented player who proudly represented us at Jamboree, Junior Country Cup, and in the Future Development Program but as a beautiful soul who brought joy wherever she went.
Milla will forever be remembered, not only for her talent, but for the kindness, warmth, and spirit she brought to all those around her.”
