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Tributes are flowing in for Ballarat teenager Jacqueline Vodden, 16, who was killed during a police pursuit near Ballan yesterday.
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Her death has sent shock waves through the community after the van she was a passenger in struck a parked truck along the Western Freeway at high speed about 2.30pm.
The driver, a 17-year-old boy, allegedly fled the scene but was later arrested at Wendouree.
“You didn't deserve this, you had so much ahead of you,” one friend wrote of Jacqueline.
“I never realised how lost we would be without each other but it's come true and (you’re) gone.”
Another friend expressed shock over the police chase and following smash.
“It doesn't feel real, I keep sending you messages just waiting for you to reply, you did not deserve this my heart is breaking,” she said.
“I love you so much Jackie.
“Not only were you a friend you were family and you'll forever be loved.”
Speaking on radio station 3AW this morning, Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Doug Fryer said the teenage girl’s family was distraught.
“This didn’t need to happen,” he said.
“We’ve got a young girl who has lost her life.
“Her family’s devastated.”
A family member posted: “I just want my baby back”.
A police investigation into the incident is ongoing and is being overseen by Professional Standards Command.