On Thursday the 19th of July 2007 we all lost someone dear to us.

This article was in the Gold Coast Bulletin on Friday the 20th of July, the day after Rochelle's death.
I, as well as many other friends, worked at the Nerang McDonalds with Rochelle.

We'll miss you. xx

Teen driver felt ill before crash

20Jul07

A 17-year-old girl complained of feeling unwell shortly before she was killed in a single-car accident at Clagiraba yesterday.

Witheren teenager Rochelle Beloe crashed while driving home after finishing her shift at Nerang McDonald's.

She was travelling west along Beaudesert Nerang Road when her car crossed the eastbound lane and hit a tree on the northern side of the road.

Her mangled white Ford Laser came to a stop at the foot of two trees, about 10m from the first point of impact.

Ms Beloe is believed to have died instantly.

Friends said she told of feeling sick shortly before leaving work.

3km west of the Clagiraba Road turn-off -- at 12.45pm.

Police officers from Nerang, Canungra and the Gold Coast and Logan forensic crash units attended the scene, 3km west of the Clagiraba Road turn-off, at 12.45pm.

"We believe (the accident happened) in the half hour, to an hour, before the calls were received," said district duty officer Acting Senior Sergeant Marc Kimber.

He said the cause was unclear.

"We haven't been able to indicate any contributing factors," he said. "We are trying to establish if it was fatigue or speed."

Sen-Sgt Kimber said it was likely the victim was a P-plater.

"From her age, I would say she probably would be," he said.

As investigations into the accident continue, Sen-Sgt Kimber appealed for any witnesses to contact police.

"There is no indication of any other vehicles being involved," he said. He also urged drivers to take care on the roads.

"If you are feeling tired, pull over to the side of the road and have a break," he said.

The accident has devastated friends and family and shocked a local firefighter who knew the teen and had to attend the scene.

Ms Beloe was a former Nerang State High School student who had planned to study at TAFE next year, said friends.

Rochelle's colleagues and family members contacted by The Gold Coast Bulletin last night were too overwhelmed by grief to talk to the media.

The fatal accident brings the southeast region's road toll to 43 -- the worst record in the state and 16 worse than this time last year.

Anyone who witnessed the accident should contact the Gold Coast Forensic Crash Unit on 5529 8232 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.