The Central Coast sporting community is mourning the death of 15-year-old Jade Frith who died in hospital after she was hit by a car.
The swimming champion was on her way to practise at the local pool when she was struck by a Ford Laser as she crossed Hillsborough Road in Warners Bay just before 5pm on Tuesday.
She sustained significant head injuries and broken bones, highway patrol Superintendent Stuart Smith said.
Paramedics treated her at the scene before taking her to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
Olympian swimmer Thomas Fraser-Holmes posted a message of support to his Facebook page on Wednesday: "My heart is deeply saddened to hear the news about Jade Frith today. My thought & prayers go out to you and your family. #novocastrian stay strong".
But Jade died on Thursday afternoon.
Grief-stricken friends and family shared their sorrow on Facebook, using the hashtag #capsoutforjade to post photos of their swimming caps and goggles as a tribute to the talented swimmer.
Dozens of love hearts fill the comments of her Facebook profile picture, with several posts reading "fly high little one", "...angel", "...beautiful".
"We as a club are mourning the death of a brilliant swimmer from Novas Swim Club, Jade Frith," Hunter Valley Allstars Swim Club posted.
Local community sporting groups pledged to observe a minute's silence, or to don black armbands during their weekend competitions in honour of Jade.
The driver of the car, a 22-year-old woman, was not injured.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command are investigating and will prepare a report for the coroner.
In a separate incident in Sydney, a man died on Thursday afternoon after a head-on car crash with a State Transit bus.
Police say a Toyota Corolla travelling south and a passenger bus travelling north collided on Beecroft Road in Epping about 4pm.
The Toyota driver was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital where he died.
The dead man, the only occupant of the car, is yet to be formally identified. It is believed he was in his 30s.
The driver of the bus, which did not have any passengers, was treated at the scene. The 44-year-old man underwent mandatory tests at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Investigations are continuing and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
With Daisy Dumas
