THE grieving family of an 18-year-old who was killed with her boyfriend in a road crash have described her as a fun-loving, bright and bubbly girl who was passionate about everything she did.

By Sharon Asplin

THE grieving family of an 18-year-old who was killed with her boyfriend in a road crash have described her as a fun-loving, bright and bubbly girl who was passionate about everything she did.

Natalie Watson, 18, from Albermarle Gardens, Braintree, and Christopher Emerson, 20, of Church Green, Little Yeldham, died in the accident on the A130, known as Essex Regiment Way, in Chelmsford, at about 5pm on Sunday.

And yesterday, Natalie's mum Jill, dad Michael and 21-year-old brother Craig paid a moving tribute to her.

In a statement, they said: “We are a very close family and Natalie will be terribly missed. She was an intelligent, kind and sensible girl who was loved by everyone who knew her.”

Natalie was born in Braintree and attended Tabor High School before going on to further her education at Braintree College. She had been working as a trainee dental nurse and was aspiring to become a hygienist or therapist.

An avid football fan, she had a season ticket for West Ham United. She was also a music-lover with a passion for groups such as McFly, Busted and Blue and Pop Idol winner Will Young.

Just two days before her death, Natalie fulfilled one of her lifetime ambitions by getting a hug from Lee Ryan (former band member of Blue) at Chicago's in Braintree. She was also learning how to play her favourite songs on the guitar.

The Watson family also thanked all the emergency services involved in the crash.

Christopher worked for a local business as a web designer and his interests included football, computers, reading, travelling and spending time with his girlfriend.

His family said: “Christopher attended The Gosfield School where he enjoyed his school time and was well liked by everyone where he was always willing to contribute whatever he could.

“He worked hard and gained good grades in eight GCSEs before moving on to Braintree College. At college he gained A-levels in media and business studies and communication.

“He was well liked and had many friends and was always happy and positive in his life. His motto was 'Game On!'.”

The pair were travelling in a black Honda CRX which was involved in a head-on collision with a BMW and a Jeep Cherokee.

They were certified dead shortly afterwards. Three fire crews used heavy cutting equipment to free them from the Honda.

The driver of the BMW, a 26-year-old man from Chelmsford, suffered from shock after the collision but was otherwise unhurt.

The woman driver of the Cherokee and a 14-year-old boy who was a passenger in the vehicle were taken to hospital and later discharged. They were also from the Chelmsford area.

Police have arrested two men - an 18-year-old and a 20-year-old - in connection with the collision. They are both from the Halstead area, and have been released on police bail until January.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Chelmsford road policing officers on 01245 240625.