THE family of a Suffolk teenager killed in a road accident have paid tribute to her, describing her as their “shining star”.

Lizzie Parry

THE family of a Suffolk teenager killed in a road accident have paid tribute to her, describing her as their “shining star”.

The 16-year-old died at the scene of a crash on the A14 last Monday when the Citroen Saxo she was travelling in collided with an Audi A3 Tdi and then hit a signpost near the Orwell crossing lorry park.

Her mother Chrissie Ryan, dad Mike Ryan and her two brothers and four sisters said her loss would leave a huge void in their lives.

Mrs Ryan, of Alan Road, Ipswich, said: “I have always said she is my very special gift, she was a very special surprise.

“When Sian was born we called her our very special gift and so it was proven.

“She lit this whole family like a beacon. Her humour kept and is still keeping us laughing. Kids are only on loan but we didn't expect Sian's to be a short term loan.

“Though her life was short it was a very full, active and happy one. The gap in all our lives is enormous.”

Mr Ryan added: “The best way to describe Sian was like a bottle of top quality champagne, clear, bright, bubbly and totally effervescent.”

Her sister Keely Walker, 32, said it felt like a piece of their jigsaw was now missing: “It is the centre piece, she was the centre of all our attentions, the light of our lives.

“She was always the 'special one' and she will remain that way in all our memories. She was so, so funny, a personality second to none and beautiful inside and out.”

Her brother Michael Ryan, 20, gave a poignant tribute remembering his little sister.

“She was always the prettiest flower in the garden, the most beautiful song you will hear. Her smile was so bright it made the sun look like a candle. She was and still is the brightest star in all our lives. Nobody would be able to forget her even if they wanted to.”

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

- The 18-year-old male driver of the Audi from Kesgrave was arrested after the crash along with the Citroen Saxo driver, a 19-year-old woman from the Ipswich area.

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