By Bronwyn Hastings

Three people have died as a result of a three-vehicle collision at Ledcourt on Sunday, including a 14-year-old girl who competed at Horsham’s weekend volleyball tournament.

Tenesha Fieldsend was one of four occupants travelling in a Mitsubishi Triton, driven by a 17-year-old male learner driver, when it collided with an MG ZS and a truck near Mount Drummond Road on the Western Highway at about 6.40pm. 

The occupants of the MG ZS, a 31-year-old woman and 38-year-old man, both Chinese nationals, died at the scene.

Ms Fieldsend sustained upper-body injuries and was airlifted to hospital, where she later died.

The 17-year-old driver was airlifted to hospital with minor injuries and in a stable condition, an 11-year-old female passenger was airlifted to The Royal Children’s Hospital with upper-body injuries. A 43-year-old female passenger was transported by road ambulance to The Royal Children’s Hospital for observation, while the 29-year-old truck driver was not injured.

The highway was closed in both directions for about 12 hours while police worked at the scene.

CFA and VICSES volunteer crews also attended. 

Ms Fieldsend, a member of Latrobe Valley Volleyball, had earlier competed in Volleyball Victoria’s Junior Country Championships at Horsham, winning bronze with her team.

Volleyball Horsham president David Berry said the sporting body would dedicate its Big Smash ’26 tournament on October 18 to Ms Fieldsend in support of her family.

“Volleyball Horsham passes on to Tenesha’s family – mother Desiree, brother Djay and little sister, our deepest sympathies on the passing of Tenesha. The greatest memory we will have is of how happy Tenesha’s team was when they won their bronze medal and we offer her family, friends and the Latrobe Valley volleyball community our deepest condolences at this difficult time,” he said.

Latrobe Valley Volleyball, in an online statement, said its members were deeply saddened by Ms Fieldsend’s death. 

“More affectionately known as ‘T’, Tenesha was a much-loved part of our sporting community and will be sadly missed by her team-mates, coaches, friends and our wider volleyball members,” it said.

“It feels extra special that she was part of our bronze medal-winning team at the Volleyball Victoria Junior Country Championships in Horsham, over the weekend. 

“What a wonderful achievement to have shared with her team-mates, and a memory for them to treasure.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

“She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by our sporting community.”

Volleyball Victoria also extended its sympathies to Ms Fieldsend’s family, friends, team-mates and coaches.
“Volleyball Victoria is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of Tenesha Fieldsend,” the statement said.

“This tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the tightknit volleyball community here in Victoria, particularly the members of Latrobe Valley Volleyball Association who Tenesha represented over the weekend. 

“Volleyball Victoria’s thoughts and support are with Tenesha’s family, friends, team-mates and coaches at this extremely difficult time.”

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage, or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

 

The entire September 30, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!