Glowing tributes paid to teenager who died in crash at Barham
The family of a teenager who died following a single-vehicle road traffic collision in Barham, last month, has paid tribute to her calling her “thoughtful, generous, kind and determined” and the “bright light that lit up our lives.”
Bethany McCauley (pictured above) was the passenger in a blue Vauxhall Cross that had been involved in a collision on Thornhill Road.
Police were called at just after 12.35am on Saturday, April 29, along with Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service and ambulance crews but despite their best efforts the 18-year-old, who came from Pinewood, on the outskirts of Ipswich, died at the scene.
The driver – a teenage woman – was taken to Ipswich Hospital having sustained serious injuries, where she currently remains in a stable condition.
Bethany’s family issued the following tribute.
“Bethany was the bright light that lit up our lives. A real force of nature. Loud and funny, yet at times quiet and happy in her own company.
“During both primary and high school, she loved a variety of sports and was on the high school netball team all throughout her time at Claydon High School. She enjoyed cooking and baking at home as well as cleaning and organising.
“Therefore it should have come as no surprise when she went to work at Park View Residential Care Home as a domestic.
“This also allowed her to show her caring nature as she was able to spend time talking to the residents and on occasion would sit and hold their hand. She was very pleased to win the award for favourite domestic which was voted for by the residents.
“Thoughtful, generous, kind and determined are all words that come to mind when we think of her. Setting her mind to learning to drive and buying a car all of which she did by herself.
“Devoted to her not so small dog Stomper, she was in the process of changing her job so that he would have company throughout the day.
“We wish to thank the residents of Barham and the emergency services who tried to help her.
“She will be deeply missed by her parents, younger brother William, grandmother, aunts and uncle as well as by her friends, Smudge the cat and of course Stomper.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to the collision. They would also like to hear from anyone who was driving in the area just prior to the incident and who has a dashcam fitted in their vehicle, to review the footage for anything that may be of assistance.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Serious Collision Investigation Unit, quoting reference: 37/24718/23.
Website – www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update
Email – SCIU@norfolk.police.uk
Phone – Call 101.