Glowing tributes paid to 49-year-old woman killed in crash at Ashfield

The family of a woman who ran a cafe by the side of the A140 Ipswich Norwich road and who died as a result of a collision in Ashfield have paid tribute to “a wonderful lady” and “a ray of sunshine who lit up any room”.

Officers were called at 9am on Monday, December 17, to reports of a collision on the A1120 in Ashfield involving a coach and two cars – a Honda Civic and a Skoda Octavia.

Julie Dibbs, 49, who was the driver of the Honda, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Described as a wonderful lady, Julie’s family have said her loss is devastating for her husband Andy, their three sons Harry, Joe and Charlie, Julie’s parents Val and Ron, and her brother and sisters Pete, Deb and Sue.

In a joint statement the family said: “This is an unimaginable situation we find ourselves in, with such a wonderful lady who will be missed by everyone. Julie was a ray of sunshine who lit up any room she entered.”

Julie was well known as the owner of The Deli Cafe, at The Chilli Farm, on the A140 at Mendlesham.

The male driver of the coach involved in the crash was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The coach was not carrying any passengers. No one else was hurt as a result of the collision.

The investigation into the cause of the collision is continuing.

Witnesses or anybody who has dash-cam or mobile phone footage showing the manner of driving of the vehicles prior to the incident should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 101 quoting CAD 83 of today.