General News
29 September, 2026
'Heartbreaking': tributes flow for young volleyballer
Volleyball communities across Victoria are mourning the loss of 14-year-old Tenesha Fieldsend, who died following a multi-car collision on Sunday, September 27.
Volleyball Horsham, Volleyball Victoria and Latrobe Valley Volleyball Association issued statements, expressing their condolences to Tenesha's family and friends.
The Latrobe Valley representative player claimed a bronze medal at the Volleyball Victoria Junior Country Championships held in Horsham from September 24 to 27.
"It's heartbreaking to know that Tenesha was with us in Horsham only recently, proudly representing Latrobe Valley at the Junior Country Championships and celebrating a wonderful bronze medal achievement with her teammates," the Volleyball Horsham statement said.
Volleyball Victoria said the sudden loss deeply saddened the organisation.
“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 said in a statement.
“Volleyball Victoria's thoughts and support are with Tenesha's family, friends, teammates and coaches at this extremely difficult time.”
It follows the Latrobe Valley Volleyball Association releasing its own statement, describing "T", as she was affectionately known, as a loved part of their community and someone who will be widely missed.
“Tenesha was a much-loved part of our sporting community and will be sadly missed by her teammates, coaches, friends and our wider volleyball members,” they said.
The 14-year-old was one of three people to die after two cars and a truck collided on Western Highway, near Mount Drummond Road, in Ledcourt, at about 6.45pm on September 27.
She was airlifted to Royal Children's Hospital and later died.