Alex Ryder was living her dream in Byron Bay.
"In love ... with life! Never been so excited about the future!" the young teacher and waitress posted on Facebook when she moved there in 2013.
The woman with the "infectious personality" moved to the north coast after wishing for a life in the picturesque region where she could live off the land, surf and embrace the outdoors.
After almost two years, her rich life ended abruptly on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old was standing up through the sunroof of a car when it crashed into a tree on Byron Bay's back streets on Tuesday night, suffering horrific injuries.
A passer-by rushed to help and carried out CPR until paramedics arrived.
She was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital where she died on Wednesday, surrounded by family.
It is understood her best friend was driving the car when it crashed on Skinners Shoot Rd.
It is unclear how fast the car was travelling, but a source said no tyre marks were on the road.
Police say the 22-year-old driver, who wasn't injured, was taken to hospital to undergo mandatory blood and urine tests.
The restaurant in the Byron Bay hinterland where Ms Ryder worked, The Harvest Cafe, closed on Thursday as colleagues mourned the much-loved waitress's death. Ms Ryder had also worked casually as a teacher in the area.
Her sister, Adriana Ryder, was one of many friends and relatives who paid tribute to Ms Ryder.
"My love for you is undying," she posted on Facebook.
Jaydey McCarthy wrote of Ms Ryder's infectious personality and the lives she touched.
"May her spirit live on forever in our hearts," she posted.
Police are investigating.
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