Shannon Knowles, a bubbly 24-year-old, could put a smile on anyone’s face.

Ms Knowles and a 27-year-old Ballarat man were found dead in a Holden Commodore on Friday night on Smarts Hill Road.

Police believe a butane gas heater the pair were using to keep warm may have contributed to their deaths. 

Tragically, Ms Knowles is survived by her four-year-old son Deegan.

Ms Knowles’ cousin Vicki Lee Swards told The Courier her family was heartbroken by her death.

In a statement on behalf of Ms Knowles’ family, Ms Swards said her brothers Andrew, Jordan and Isaac and sisters Tarrina and Megan were devastated 

“Shannon had a special glow that made her stand out in the crowd, that was why she was so loved,” Ms Swards said.

“Shannon was a loving and doting mother to her son Deegan, he meant everything to her. She had a huge family of 14 uncles and aunties and 30 cousins that were all very close.

“Shannon was a bright, bubbly, vivacious girl, she was beautiful inside and out.

“She loved to dress up in beautiful clothes and shoes. She loved to dance. She loved to take selfies that we would all laugh about. She was so much fun and always making people laugh. 

“Shannon was not homeless – she always had a bedroom at home. She was so loved.”

The family said they were still piecing together what they described as a “very sad and tragic accident”.

Childhood friend Jessica Smith said she shared some of the best times of her life with Ms Knowles.

“Everybody is still just ... they are so shocked,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith attended Alfredton Primary School with Ms Knowles, who was known for her cheeky flair.

“Shannon always made people laugh and she’d be the first one there for you,” she said.

“She is just the most caring person you would come across. She was the life of the party.”

Ms Knowles’ love for her son Deegan was an unbreakable bond, Ms Smith said.

“He (Deegan) loved her and they were the best of friends. 

“Deegan’s old enough to not forget it.”

Ms Smith said she had organised to catch up with Ms Knowles before her death.

“I spoke to her parents last Saturday and said I’d visit. We’d lose contact, then we’d pick it up and it was like nothing happened.

“I just wish I had of seen her. I’d tell her that I love her and I’m sorry life got in the way.”

Almost 100 family members and friends  voiced their grief at the loss on social media.

When contacted by The Courier, the family of the 27-year-old man who died alongside Ms Knowles did not wish to comment.