An internationally renowned author and sister of an Australian music legend was killed by a driver who was allegedly speeding just meters from her home.
Dr Brenda Walker, 67, was drinking coffee early in the morning, shortly before 7am on Tuesday in Perth, when was hit by a Toyota Yaris allegedly driven by a Brazilian citizen in Australia on a temporary visa.
The Toyota Yaris was apparently traveling 40km/h over the limit in Kings Park, near the CBD.
Dr Walker suffered serious injuries when he was thrown 40 meters due to the impact of the collision.
She was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital but could not be saved.
He was only 700 meters from his house when the tragedy occurred.
An English lecturer at the University of Western Australia, Walker followed in her mother Shirley’s footsteps to become an award-winning novelist, short story writer and non-fiction author.
She was also the sister of Don Walker, co-founder and main songwriter of the Australian band Cold Chisel.
Acclaimed author Dr Brenda Walker, 67, (pictured) was drinking coffee when she was hit by a car.
The university professor was hit by a Toyota Yaris (pictured) allegedly driven by a Brazilian citizen who is in Australia on a temporary visa
Dr. Walker wrote several award-winning novels, including Reading By Moonlight, Poe’s Cat, and The Wing of the Night.
His work has won numerous international awards, including the Victorian Premier’s Award for Non-Fiction and the O. Henry Prize.
His fiction has been published in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Italy.
“He was such a kind, intelligent, caring and generous person who had a positive effect on many lives, a familiar statement to Seven news read.
“She will be greatly missed by many.”
Dr Walker’s agent, Peter Straus, added: “She was a brilliant writer and a very thoughtful and charming person.”
“His untimely death is a great loss.”
The staff of the University of Western Australia are deeply saddened by the death of their respected and much-loved colleague.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Professor Walker’s family and friends at this time,” a spokesperson said.
His loved ones remembered Dr. Walker as kind, intelligent, caring and generous.
Dr Walker’s death has also sparked an outpouring of tributes from students.
“She was a teacher who changed my life with her great encouragement and astute methods,” one wrote.
‘She was the first teacher I remember who really opened up the toolbox of creative writing for me: the terminology and craft base of poetics that I still use.
‘He got into many corners of my life because only once in a while do you meet a suitable guru. It usually affects you.
“His memory will be a monument.”
Lucas Martins Da Silva, 30, of Osborne Park was charged with reckless driving resulting in death in aggravated circumstances.
The tradie appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The court heard he was allegedly traveling at 104km/h in a 60km/h zone before the collision and at 97km/h at the time of impact.
Several witnesses allege that Martins Da Silva swerved into the right lane to overtake another vehicle.
Martins Da Silva withdrew his bail application after the prosecution told the court their case was strong, with CCTV and multiple witnesses.
He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on January 29.