Family, friends remember woman killed in boating accident

Wonderful. A firecracker. Assertive. A prankster.

Audrey Maria Higgins’ loved ones paint a colorful picture of a woman who loved to help people as much as she loved to have fun. Audrey tragically passed away on July 7 after a holiday weekend boating accident. Six others were wounded as a result of the Bayou Des Allemands boat collision that took place at approximately 9:29 p.m. on July 4.

Her friends and family said there was no one like Audrey.

“Her birthday was on July 3, and we always called her a firecracker,” Audrey’s sister Caitlin Higgins Comardelle said. “We have an eight-year age gap, so she was more like a second mom to me. She was super protective and kind of bossy … but in a good way. She helped guide me and helped me to make decisions and to make sure I was on the right path in life.”

Audrey’s assertive streak came in handy to many family members and friends, Caitlin said laughing.

“If you were having an issue and needed something, she would call customer service for you,” Caitlin said.

Kaycee Donnaud said Audrey was the best friend a girl could ask for.

“She always made life easier and knew what to say,” Kaycee said. “It’s hard to put into words just what she means to me. She was my person in life. She is even my little boy’s nanny. She was just all around an amazing person who will be missed by all.”

Audrey grew up in St. Charles Parish with Caitlin, their late father Vernon and mother Susette.

“We grew up on a farm in Ama,” Caitlin said. “We grew up on a farm with horses and cows and chickens and all sorts of animals. It was cool … we always had lots of friends at our house because we always had so many fun things to do.”

Caitlin said she and Audrey learned to ride and care for horses as children, a hobby Audrey still enjoyed as an adult.

Growing up surrounded by a large extended family meant lots of time with cousins and aunts and uncles.

“She was the funny jokester in the family and she was just a very assertive person,” Caitlin said of her older sister. “She always had her makeup and hair done. She wouldn’t go anywhere without it. She always looked nice and her personality was always so strong and she never met a stranger.”

Several friends and family members described Audrey as someone who loved her fur baby Roxy just as much as she loved a holiday or a celebration.

“Audrey was a huge Mardi Gras person and Luling parade fan,” Laci Smith, one of Audrey’s friends, said. “Her dad is actually the one who began the parade. She goes all out when it comes to festivities. Her dad passed away eleven months ago and was the king of the Luling parade the year before he died.”

Tracey Champagne said Audrey was like a little sister to her.

“She loved Halloween and she was amazing with costumes every year,” Tracey said. “She would do all of her own makeup. I will miss her forever.”

Audrey worked as an LPN, a career Caitlin said fit her personality.

“She could boss people around,” Caitlin said laughing. “But she liked taking care of people and making people feel special. You could be confident she would do what she said she would.”

Aimee Aitken worked with Audrey for the past 10 years at For Better Health.

“She was an amazing nurse and a great friend,” Aimee said. “Working forty hours a week together for ten years you become very close. Audrey was silly and she loved baking cakes for everyone.”

Brock Tregre, Audrey’s boyfriend of four years, said there are no words to describe the love she displayed to him, his children and everyone around her.

“Audrey was amazing and wonderful,” he said. “We love her dearly and will miss her forever.”

Brock’s daughter Dakota said she and her brothers Braxden and Sawyer were lucky to have Audrey in their lives.

“I thank God every day that I was lucky enough to have an extra mom who loved me just as much as my real one,” Dakota said. “Not everyone gets that blessing, and I am forever thankful that I did.”

Caitlin said Audrey could light up any room with her smile.

“Even though she was young, she lived a full life,” Caitlin said. “She was always full steam ahead.”

“We sure will miss her,” Susette said.