The family of 20-year-old Natasha Lawton have spoken of their devastation after her death in an accident in Adelaide’s CBD during Halloween celebrations.
The aspiring primary school teacher is understood to have fallen from a height during a stunt at the Rosemont Hotel shortly after 4am on Sunday. Emergency services attended, but she could not be revived.
In a statement, her parents Kevin and Gabrielle and sister Nicola said the accident was “out-of-character” for Natasha, who was affectionately known as Tash.
“We are grief-stricken by the loss of our daughter Natasha, affectionately known as Tash,” they said. “Tash touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed after a tragic and out-of-character accident while celebrating Halloween.”
Lawton was in her second year at university and was working towards becoming a primary school teacher. Her family said she had been destined for a promising future.
She was also an accomplished pianist and competitive figure skater, and enjoyed skiing and travelling. She had been working two jobs in the NDIS and hospitality to fund an upcoming trip to Japan.
“Her work ethic was exceptional,” her family said. “She loved life and lived every minute she had. She had an amazing future ahead of her.”
Tributes have also been paid by Team SkateFX, which remembered Lawton as a much-loved member of the skating community.
Her family, who are long-term employees of South Australia Police, thanked colleagues and the organisation for their support, including acting Commissioner Linda Williams and Superintendent Denise Gray.
They also thanked the officers who attended Hindley Street and the man who first provided assistance to Natasha.
