Cold Chisel member's sister dies in tragic accident
Brenda Walker, an award-winning Australian author and the sister of Cold Chisel member Don Walker, has been killed in a horrific accident at Kings Park in Perth.
The 67-year-old was crossing Kings Park Road on Tuesday when she was hit by an allegedly speeding driver in a Toyota Yaris hatchback just before 7am on Tuesday.
She sustained critical injuries in the incident and was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital but could not be saved.
“She was such a kind, intelligent, caring and generous person who had a positive effect on many lives,” her family told 7News.
“She will be dearly missed by many.”
Walker was born in Grafton, NSW and studied at the University of New England in Armidale before gaining a PhD in English at the Australian National University.
She moved to Perth in 1984 and was a Winthrop professor of English and cultural studies at the University of Western Australia.
A spokesperson from the university has paid tribute to her saying they were deeply saddened to learn of her death.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Professor Walker’s family and friends at this time."
A former student also paid tribute on social media, saying: “She was a teacher who changed my life with her great encouragement and her astute methods.”
“She got into a lot of corners of my life because you only meet a proper guru every so often. It tends to affect you," he continued.
“Brenda’s passing is a massive loss to Australian literature, because there are dozens like me with much the same story, and many many more who have met her through her brilliant writing. Her memory will be a monument.”
She has written several award-winning novels including Reading By Moonlight, The Wing of the Night and Poe’s Cat.
A 30-year-old man was allegedly driving the Yaris that struck her and was arrested at the scene.
He was charged with dangerous driving causing death and appeared at the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Image: news.com.au/ 7News