Friends of a much loved Christchurch woman are heartbroken following her tragic death in a crash in Darfield on Friday night.

23-year-old Samantha Orlowski, originally from Nelson, died in a single-car crash at the Old West Coast Rd/Redmonds Rd intersection around 5 p.m.

Her friend, Ann-Marie Ferguson, said Samantha enriched her life and everyone around her. “I will never forget her infectious laughter and sense of humor. She was a great friend.” Ann-Marie said this was Samantha’s year to shine.

“She blessed so many of our hearts and went through hell and back, fighting her way to a better life one step at a time.

“As I look back on our time together, I am filled with joy, love, and appreciation. She may be gone, but her memory will live on in my heart and in the hearts of all those who loved her.”

Friend Shianne Rosalene said Sam was her best friend. “She was one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met, but also one of the most stubborn girls,” she said with a chuckle.

“I am so blessed to be her best friend. She was literally my other half; I feel so incomplete without her.

“Her nephew absolutely adored his Aunty Sam, and I’ll forever remind him of her.”

Shianne said, “there was never a dull moment with her around. She really knew how to make people laugh until they’re crying, even on their bad days.”

A Give A Little page has been set up to help support her family.