A teenager killed in a crash in Essex has been described as a “ray of sunshine” in a family tribute.
Carys Hammond, who was 18, died after the Fiat 500 she was driving crashed on Monday.
The car left the road and hit a bridge in Brickman’s Hill, between Bradfield and Mistley, around 7.25pm. Miss Hammond was pronounced dead at the scene.
Today her family issued a tribute to the keen sportswoman through Essex Police.
It read: “Carys was vibrant, intelligent, vivacious, and a totally loved daughter and sister, who was adored by all who knew her.
“She was so full of life and truly touched the heart and souls of everyone that knew and loved her.
“Carys had a talent for sport and a passion for cricket, playing for three local clubs.
“She had hundreds of friends who just loved to be in her company. She had a sparkle that always lit up a room and she was a ray of sunshine to us all.
“We cannot find the words to describe the utter devastation that we as a family and her friends are feeling.
“With this in mind, we request privacy and trust this will be respected in the days and weeks ahead.”
Floral tributes to Miss Hammond were left at the scene of the crash in which two men, aged 19 and 23, suffered minor injuries.
Friends also left messages of condolence for Miss Hammond’s family on Facebook, while Benfleet Cricket Club, for which the teenager had played, also posted a statement expressing their sadness.
Following the crash, Colchester and District Driving Instructors’ Association chairman Mark Cole said there had been 16 collisions in nine years at the same location and called for more safety measures.
“These safety measures would cost £15-20,000, so it’s not difficult to work out the cost savings in repairs – and lives,” he said earlier this week. “I’m in shock, but not surprised by what has happened. This has been coming for a long time.”
An Essex Highways spokesman said: “We were saddened to hear of this tragic death and our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this sad time.
“Essex Highways will fully investigate the collision in conjunction with our colleagues at Essex Police, as we do for all fatal road incidents.”
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