A head on collision has claimed the life of former Guyra resident Sarah Heagney. She died when her car collided with a stock truck on the Waterfall Way 14km west of Dorrigo last Thursday evening. The accident occurred in wet and foggy conditions and the 71 year old truck driver assisted police with enquiries at the scene.

21 year old Sarah lived in Guyra for most of her life, attending St Mary of the Angels school before moving on to PLC in Armidale for high school. At the time of her death Sarah was preparing for her final year at the University of New England where she studying to be a teacher.

Sarah was a talented athlete, who achieved success in a number of sports including triathlon, swimming, athletics, cross country, touch football, hockey and tennis. In 2007 she received an award for being Guyra’s Sportperson of the Year at the Australia Day awards and in 2006 was the recipient of the Australian Olympic Committees ‘Piere de Coubertin Award’.

Sarah continued her success at University where she was a sports scholarship holder and a valuable member of St Albert’s College. She contributed to many intercollegiate sports receiving a university half-blue for services to sport last year.

A large crowd is expected to farewell Sarah at her funeral, which will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Armidale at 11am on Friday February 5 followed by interment in the Guyra Lawn Cemetery. Refreshments will be served at the Guyra Bowling Club. A celebration of Sarah’s life will also be held at St Albert’s College

Sarah is survived by her parents Neil and Julie, sister Jayne, brother Luke and a large extended family.