Her name was Kristy Armstrong.

Content warning: this post deals with domestic violence and might be distressing for some readers.

Kristy Armstrong was a beloved mother, friend and daughter from the Central West of New South Wales. 

Last month, Kristy was allegedly run off the road while driving and killed by her estranged partner.

Police say Kristy was killed no more than 400 metres from her home at Molong, near Orange. She was driving home around 3.40pm on June 9 when her car collided with a ute driven by her ex-husband, Troy Armstrong. He was allegedly driving his ute at a speed of 140km/h. Police believe the matter is domestic violence related. 

Kristy was killed in the collision. She was 36 years old.

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Two girls, aged eight and 13, who were passengers in the car were treated for minor injuries and taken to hospital.

Armstrong was freed from the ute he had been driving. The 35-year-old remains in a critical condition at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital, according to police.

Recently, Armstrong was charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder after the two children were also injured in the crash. He reportedly has serious brain and spinal injuries as a result of the crash. Since being charged, he has been refused bail and will next face court again in September. 

Court documents say Kristy had applied for an AVO against Armstrong in November 2022, but she wasn't granted an interim order until May 2023. Less than a month later she was killed.

Kristy had three children of her own, aged eight, 11 and 13. Loved ones say she was a devoted mother known for her "unwavering love and dedication".

They also noted how selfless she was, saying there was nothing she wouldn't do for somebody else in need.

"Kristy was the epitome of selflessness, always putting her children's wellbeing and happiness above everything else. She worked tirelessly to provide for them, to create a loving and nurturing home, and to ensure they had every opportunity to thrive. She was so selfless that she was a surrogate for her best friend giving them the greatest gift of all," they said. 

An anonymous friend told Mamamia: "She was an extremely generous person, always giving her time to different volunteer causes in the local community, she was always ready to help anyone who needed it. Kristy was a mum of three and a surrogate parent who approached life with a positive attitude, a smile, and a laugh. She is deeply missed by her family, and the small community of Molong that she was such an integral part of."

A GoFundMe has since been set up to raise funds to support Kristy's three children.

"This heart-wrenching event has left her children without the guidance, care, and support that only a mother can provide. The void created by her absence is immense, and we cannot fathom the depth of their pain," loved ones said in a statement.

Kristy's mother and father, Donna and Peter Thornell, said they are determined to fight for justice for their daughter.

"She didn't die for nothing, we're her voice now," they told 9News. "Something needs to change because Kristy's death will not be for nothing."

As per Destroy the Joint, Kristy was the 18th woman killed by violence in Australia this year. Since her death, that toll has since gone up to 27.

If you would like to contribute to the GoFundMe for Kristy Armstrong's family, you can do so here. 

If this has raised any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. 

Feature Image: Facebook.