A 17-year-old girl who was described as someone who 'lit up every room' has tragically died following a car crash in Derbyshire. The incident occurred on Sutton Lane in Sutton Scarsdale when a Vauxhall Corsa left the road and collided with a tree. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Family pays tribute to 'incredibly loved' teenager
The victim, identified only as Summer by Derbyshire Constabulary, was a passenger in the vehicle. The crash happened at around 11pm on Sunday, April 19. Summer sustained serious injuries and passed away at the scene.
Her mother, Beckie, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing her daughter as 'an outgoing young girl, full of life, bubbly, very chatty and loved being the centre of attention'. She added: 'She was very motivated and knew where she wanted to go in life.'
Summer had recently started working at McDonald's, which she was thrilled about, and was studying construction at college. Her favourite aspect of the course was carpentry, and she had plans to eventually join her step-dad, Julian, in his work.
'Cataclysmic hole' in family's life
Her father, Rob, said Summer's death has left a 'cataclysmic hole' in the family's lives. He recalled: 'Growing up, Summer loved baking and cooking, making YouTube videos, going to watch Mansfield Town, helping out with household tasks and being mischievous. She loved telling random jokes to her granddad George and dad Rob.'
Her grandad doted on Summer, giving her the name Twinkle, due to her lighting up his day when he spent time with her. 'She was always smiling and lit up every room she entered with her twinkly, chatty personality. Summer's death has left a cataclysmic hole in her whole family's life and everyone who knew Summer.'
Further details of the crash
Two other passengers sustained serious, though not life-threatening, injuries and were taken to hospital. Two more occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, were also hospitalised with injuries not believed to be severe.
The driver, a 19-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Police investigations are ongoing.
