A GRIEVING family says the loss of 16-year-old Sian Ryan will leave a “massive gap” in their lives.

Naomi Cassidy

A GRIEVING family says the loss of 16-year-old Sian Ryan will leave a “massive gap” in their lives.

Tributes continue to flood in following the tragic death of the Ipswich teenager, who died at the scene of the crash on the A14 on Monday evening when the Citroen Saxo she was travelling in collided with an Audi A3 Tdi Sport car and then ploughed into a signpost near the Orwell Crossing lorry park.

The Copleston High School pupil, who lived in Alan Road, was passionate about sport and played for the Ipswich Town Girls' Centre of Excellence under 16s football team.

Her elder sister, Zoe Walker, left a poignant tribute on an Archant website, which read: “We as her family are absolutely devastated at the loss of such a beautiful talented and special young lady. She wasn't just special to us but everyone who she met. There is a gap in the lives of everyone that knew her and an even bigger gap in our family.

“She was always cheerful and made everyone laugh. She very rarely got angry. Thank you again for your messages of support from Siany's family. RIP my beautiful beautiful baby sister. Words cannot express how much we are going to miss you. Love you so so so much.”

David East, deputy headteacher at Copleston High School, also paid tribute to the popular student.

He said: “Everyone connected with Copleston High School has been saddened by the death of Sian. Sian was a popular, intelligent student who lived school life to the full, working hard at her studies and participating in extracurricular activities. She was a keen sportswoman and loved football. She was an excellent goalkeeper and her talents had been recognised within ladies football at many levels. She was typically modest about her achievements and was a great ambassador for the school. We will miss her smile, warmth, friendship and her many contributions to school life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sian's family at this sad time.

“We are working to make sure appropriate support is in place for pupils and staff at the school during this difficult time.”

Others also felt compelled to leave tributes on the website.

Samantha Johnson said: “R.I.P Sian, you will be missed by us all. Your smile used to brighten Copleston. Sleep tight.”

Police have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the collision to get in touch, particularly a woman who called with details following the crash as the mobile phone number taken was wrong.

A police spokeswoman said: “It's known the A14 would have been busy at this time in the afternoon and yet only a small number of motorists have so far been in touch. We need to speak to anyone who was driving along this stretch of road around this time.”

If you saw the incident call the Serious Collision Investigation Team and speak to Pc Andrew Fossey or Sgt Bob Patterson at police headquarters on 01473 613500.

The 18-year-old male driver of the Audi from Kesgrave was arrested soon after the fatal crash. Police also arrested the Citroen driver, a 19-year-old woman from the Ipswich area, on Tuesday.

Both teenagers were released without charge on police bail on Tuesday and must report back to Ipswich Police Station on October 5.