An internationally acclaimed author and sister of an Australian music legend has been murdered just meters from home by an allegedly speeding driver.
Dr. Brenda Walker, 67, was having coffee in Perth just before 7am on Tuesday when she was mowed down by a Toyota Yaris reportedly driven by a Brazilian citizen in Australia on a temporary visa.
The Toyota Yaris was reportedly traveling 40km/h over the limit in Kings Park near the CBD.
Dr. Walker suffered serious injuries as he was thrown 40 meters as a result of the impact of the collision.
She was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital but could not be saved.
She was only 700 meters from home when disaster struck.
A professor of English 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, the co-founder and main songwriter of the Australian band Cold Chisel.
Acclaimed author Dr. Brenda Walker, 67, (pictured) during a coffee run when she was hit by a car
The university professor was hit by a Toyota Yaris (pictured) 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.
Her work has won numerous awards internationally, including the Victorian Premier’s Award for Non-Fiction and an O. Henry Prize.
Her fiction has been published in Britain, the US, Canada and Italy.
‘She was such a kind, intelligent, caring and generous person who had a positive impact on many lives, a family statement 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 kind person’
“Her untimely death is a great loss.”
Staff at the University of Western Australia are deeply saddened by the death of their respected and beloved colleague.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Professor Walker’s family and friends at this time,” a spokesperson said.
Dr. Walker was remembered by loved ones as kind, intelligent, caring and generous
Dr Walker’s death has also led to an outpouring of tributes from students.
“She was a teacher who changed my life with her great encouragement and her astute methods,” one person wrote.
“She was the first teacher I remember who really opened up the toolbox of creative writing for me—the terminology and craft foundations of poetics that I still use today.
‘She ended up in many corners of my life, because you only come across a real guru every now and then. It tends to affect you.
“Her memory will be a monument.”
Lucas Martins Da Silva, 30, from Osborne Park was charged with dangerous driving causing death in aggravating circumstances.
The tradie appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The court heard he was driving 64mph in a 60mph zone before the collision and 60mph at the time of the collision.
Several witnesses claim that Martins Da Silva swerved into the right lane to overtake another vehicle.
Martins Da Silva withdrew his bail application after the court was told by the prosecutor that their case was strong, with CCTV and multiple witnesses.
He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on January 29.