Border Charles Sturt University students are mourning the loss of Nikita McAlpine, who was tragically killed with her sister Kelsey in a collision on Sunday.
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CSU Albury-Wodonga head of campus Jennifer Munday said support was available to students who knew 18-year-old Nikita, of Omeo.
“The university is saddened to hear of the death of Nikita McAlpine, a former General Studies student and resident of the Albury-Wodonga campus,” she said.
“Our sympathies are with Nikita’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“The university is always saddened by the loss of one of our own and has offered support and counselling to students and staff on the Albury-Wodonga campus if they should need it.”
Nikita and Kelsey McAlpine died when their wagon collided with a ute on the Omeo Highway, east of Mount Hotham, about 5pm on Sunday.
The driver of the ute, believed to be a man in his 60s, was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Police had not laid any charges in relation to the crash as of Wednesday evening.
More than $40,000 has been raised for the sisters’ family via a GoFundMe page – the first $12,000 donated in just 11 hours. A family friend, Jessie Symons, established the page.
"If you know this family, you will know how close they all were and how beautiful these girls were," she wrote.
"For the people who don't, these two amazing girls were beautiful.
“At 18 years old and 15 years old, these girls had so much more of their lives to live; so many dreams to chase after.
"They had hearts of gold … very well-mannered and loved by all in this community.
"These two beautiful souls will never be forgotten by the hearts they have touched."
The tight-knit Omeo community has been devastated by their deaths.
The town’s Golden Age Hotel, where the sisters worked, were among businesses paying tribute to the girls on Facebook.
“RIP Nikita and Kelsey, two beautiful girls taken way too soon,” the post read.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/helpmcalpinefamily.