It was only two years ago that the family of Layna Leavy decided to leave Ireland for a fresh start in Australia.

Now their adopted home of Perth, where they were building a new life, and the local community that had welcomed them in is mourning the little girl’s death.

“Layna Leavy was four years old, a little girl with an infectious smile and a warmth that filled every room she walked into,” said a GoFundMe set up to support her family.

Layna was a passenger in a Holden Astra that collided with a Ford Mustang in Canning Vale, in the city’s southeast, about 3.15pm on Wednesday.

Tragically, she could not be saved.

Her parents had decided to shift their young family, including Layna and her brother Glen, 15,000km from Ireland to Perth in June, 2024.

“In less than two years, Layna had already woven herself into the hearts of so many here in Australia and across the community they had left behind in Ireland,” the fundraiser organisers said, adding “no words can describe the depth of this loss”.

The tragic crash occurred at the intersection of Boardman Rd and Garden St.

A memorial at the intersection has bloomed for little Layna, with devastated community members ensuring she will not be forgotten.

“The flowers, teddy bears, and dolls placed at the crash site by friends and strangers demonstrate the mark this little girl made on the world in just four short years,” the GoFundMe organiser said.

Layna’s family said they “never could have imagined” that the community would come together in the way it has to support them and honour the memory of their little girl.

“We are completely overwhelmed and not yet able to find the words to express what this means to us,” the family said. “To everyone single person who gave, shared, who lit a candle and left flowers at the roadside, you have wrapped your arms around our family at a time when we need it most.”

Layna’s mum shared a powerful tribute online last week, saying “our hearts are shattered into a million pieces”.

“Four years on this earth was never long enough.

“I hope you felt nothing but love in your life and loved every single adventure we went on.

“I hope you continue to sing and dance in the sky and forever in our hearts.”

Major Crash has appealed for witnesses and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.

SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/perth-and-ireland-communities-rally-around-family-of-layna-leavy-after-deadly-crash-c-22400776