A teenage volleyball player has tragically died in a three-vehicle crash in Australia. Just hours after winning a bronze medal with her team.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Tenesha Fieldsend, 14, was airlifted to hospital after being involved in the crash while traveling with her siblings.
Earlier on Sunday, September 27, Fieldsend had competed alongside her team at the Volleyball Victoria Junior Country Championships.
The fatal crash occurred shortly after the tournament.
Volleyball Player Dies Hours After Winning Bronze Medal
Reports state that the crash occurred at around 6:45 p.m. as Fieldsend was traveling home from the tournament.
The teenager was sitting in the passenger seat of a Mitsubishi Triton driven by her 17-year-old brother.
Another car and a truck were also reportedly involved in the collision.
Fieldsend was urgently airlifted to hospital with "critical injuries," but despite efforts to save her, she died later that evening.
Two people traveling in the other car were reportedly pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet publicly identified them.
Volleyball Community Pays Tribute to Tenesha Fieldsend
Fieldsend's 11-year-old sister was also involved in the crash and suffered injuries.
She was airlifted to hospital alongside her older sister, although further details about her condition have not been made public.
"Tenesha was a much-loved part of our sporting community and will be sadly missed by her teammates, coaches, friends and our wider volleyball members," the Latrobe Valley Volleyball team said in a statement.
"It feels extra special that she was part of our bronze medal winning team at the Volleyball Victoria Junior Country Championships in Horsham, over the weekend."
The statement described the achievement as "wonderful" and "a memory for [her teammates] to treasure."
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing her," the statement adds.
"She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by our sporting community."
Maroondah Volleyball also paid tribute to the teenager, saying that it "is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of Tenesha Fieldsend."
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Tenesha's family, friends, teammates, coaches and the Latrobe Valley Volleyball Association during this incredibly difficult time.
"We stand with the Victorian volleyball community in offering our support and sympathy to all those affected. Rest peacefully, Tenesha."
