Her life was cut short on Friday night in a multi-vehicle crash on the Sturt Highway near Yarragundry.

It is the second road death to rock the small community of Collingullie in four months.

Miss Goldthorpe’s friends had celebrated her 18th birthday just weeks ago and were last night still struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of the girl with the “big heart”, who was family-driven and motivated to help others whenever and wherever needed.

“She was beautiful,” close friend Poloma Huntley said.

“Her eyes and her loving smile were the first thing you noticed.

“You could see she cared about people.”

Miss Goldthorpe had worked at the Fitzmaurice Street KFC in her first year out of school.

She was known to drop everything and give her all to the task at hand, forging close friendships with people like Jessica Glass along the way.

“She cared about where she worked, always so lovely, always the first person to offer help,” Miss Glass said.

“It’s not going to be the same.”

Police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash and will prepare a report for the coroner. The drivers of two heavy vehicles were uninjured.

Those who knew Miss Goldthorpe were shocked by her sudden death, but friend Jordan Orr was resolute it was not how the bubbly teenager would be remembered.

“She will always be known as the extremely kind, warm-hearted sort of person she was,” he said.

A statement issued by Mater Dei Catholic College - Miss Goldthorpe’s school - said family, faith and empathy were at the core of her values.

“A young woman of strong faith, Emily is remembered for her gentle and compassionate spirit,” the statement said.

“With a constant concern for others and their wellbeing, Emily approached her relationships with empathy and a constant smile on her face.

“The most important of these relationships was with her family, who she loved and honoured.”

Funeral details are yet to be finalised.