Family mourn aspiring artist, sportswoman Phoebe Slade, 17, killed in North Canterbury crash

Family and friends are devastated by the loss of a “beautiful, powerful” 17-year-old killed in a high-speed crash in North Canterbury.

Remembered as a talented artist and cricketer, Phoebe Lilly-Grace Slade and 20-year-old Joey Young died early Saturday morning when the car they were in struck a power pole.

A third passenger suffered moderate injuries.

Her father Jeremy Slade told the Herald the Burnside High School student had friends and family all over the world who would be in mourning.

“She was so popular - she lit up the room every time she walked in.”

Phoebe Slade, 17, aspired to be a tattoo artist.

“This is such a massive shock - for Phoebe to be taken like that, so suddenly. It’s like there’s a big hole now. She was so talented, with her whole life ahead of her ... She was such a bright star.”

Slade wanted to acknowledge the supportive efforts of her extended family throughout the previous days, as well as his partner Libby and Phoebe’s brother Connor.

“We just want all of Phoebe’s friends to know they can reach out to us. It’s comforting to connect with them; it feels like we’re connecting with Phoebe too.”

Her mother, Khymne Methven, said Phoebe was building a life for herself and “learning who she wanted to be”.

“Her smile is amazing and it’s crippling to know that we won’t see her impact in the world anymore.”

Methven said the family would be welcoming contact due to the “incredible loss for so many people”.

“We understand that many people need to grieve and I’m here to help them in that and share her with them.”

Phoebe Lilly-Grace Slade, 17, and Joey Young, 20, died when the car they were travelling in crashed at speed on Saturday morning.

In a social media tribute, Methven wrote: “Our hearts are broken. Two lives are gone. Our family has changed forever. We miss her,” she wrote.

“She was beautiful, powerful, a talented artist, an incredible friend, and when she was in the room - she owned it.

“To everyone who met her, I’m so sorry that she has left you too. She leaves a hole in our lives that will never ever be filled.”

Methven asked that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to RAC - Riders Against Cancer Canterbury Branch or Bellyful Christchurch in Slade’s name.

“If you cannot help sending flowers, please ask for pink ones. Phoebe loved pink and so should be surrounded by it while she waits for us to pull together the send off we know she would love.”

She thanked friends for support, as well as the Christchurch branch of RAC.

Slade, who was born in New Zealand to English immigrant parents, was passionate about cricket and aspiring to be a tattoo artist.

Joey Young, 20, a Broadcasting School student, was also killed in the crash.

Her loss is also deeply felt by family, friends, and the cricket community.

Friend Jorja Hodgson wrote: “Your name will be said with love. No matter where you look, the name Phoebe Darcy-Slade will be loved. Online, from person to place, you will be loved. I will make damn sure of it.

“You were my best friend, wifey for life. You’ll be missed by all, adored, admired, and will forever inspire me in everything I do.”

Christchurch Metro Cricket Association also wrote a tribute post to Slade on social media.

“Phoebe started her cricket in Year 5 as a junior player for Halswell Cricket Club and moved to North-West Women’s Cricket at the beginning of the 2021-2022 season playing in the Under 16 team and was a current player in the Women’s Division 1 side,” they said.

“Phoebe was a pleasure to coach and a wonderful teammate with a wonderful bright and bubbly personality.

“She was recognised with the Coaches Award in her first season and MVP in her second season. She will be greatly missed and we send our condolences to her family, many friends and the North West Women’s Club.”

Joey Young, 20, was a student at the New Zealand Broadcasting School, and a passionate go-karter.

Christchurch Grass Kart Club president Stan McKenzie told Stuff Young’s death would have a significant impact on the karting community and the club would look to plan some kind of memorial to remember him.

Slade’s funeral is to take place in Christchurch next week.

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