Aspiring Doctor Succumbs to Injuries After High-Speed Collision
A young medical student and published author, who suffered catastrophic injuries in a high-speed crash involving an allegedly stolen vehicle last month, has died in hospital. Lidija Faamau, 21, passed away more than four weeks after the horrific incident in Sydney's south-west on 10 December.
Details of the Fatal Crash and Police Pursuit
The tragedy unfolded after police on patrol in Liverpool allegedly witnessed a Ford Ranger ute speeding through a red light on Elizabeth Drive. Officers initiated a pursuit, which was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns as the vehicle reportedly reached speeds of up to 140km/h.
Police resumed the chase a short time later. It was then that the ute, allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy, is said to have driven through another red light, colliding with a BMW sedan and a Toyota Yaris. Ms Faamau was a passenger in the BMW.
A Life of Promise Cut Tragically Short
Lidija Faamau was rushed to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition. She sustained a major brain injury, a fractured spine, broken ribs, and severe internal damage to her liver and spleen. Despite medical efforts, NSW Police confirmed her death on Saturday.
Ms Faamau was in her fourth year of a medical science degree at Western Sydney University and dreamed of becoming a paediatrician. Described by loved ones as strong-willed, compassionate, and exceptionally intelligent, she was also a published author, having released a book titled 'Le Demyon' in 2020.
The female driver and a second passenger in the BMW were also seriously injured but have since been released from hospital.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
The alleged teenage driver of the stolen ute remains in custody, charged with eight offences including:
- Two counts of aggravated dangerous driving
- Causing grievous bodily harm
- Escaping police pursuit
- Driving unlicensed
- Breaching bail
- Two counts of causing bodily harm by misconduct
He is scheduled to reappear in a children's court at a later date. A police spokesperson stated that a report will be prepared for the coroner as a critical incident team continues to investigate the full circumstances of the crash.
