iSmart software founder killed in street luge crash

Sue Wickenden, Director of industry website and software developer, iSmart software, has been killed in a street luge accident.

According to media reports, Wickenden was killed when she failed to negotiate a turn and struck a steel barrier while riding with a group of lugers at Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane, early yesterday morning. Her partner, also a luge rider, and a close friend, Tyler Johnson, administrator of the Brisbane Street Luge club, were with her when she died.

Johnson said the luge community was devastated at the news of her death, stating “everything that could have been done was done; she was wearing all the protective gear and travelling at a controlled speed.

“She was a very experienced rider. This was simply a freak accident, a tragic accident.”

Street luge is an extreme sport in which competitors lie on a thin fibreglass or plastic board similar to a sled and race down a paved course.

Queensland Police said a Coroner's report would be prepared and preliminary investigations showed speed to be a factor in Wickenden's death. Lugers can reach 150km/h.

50-year-old Wickenden was one of the four 'Ladies of Luge', a group of women who support and encourage the rise and participation of female riders not only in street luge but all gravity disciplines.

iSmart software developed Australasian Leisure Management’s website as well as being heavily involved in her local historical society.

She was described as a “beautiful and kind” person.