Family of former Gosport school pupil Bethany Ovenden-Gumm pay tribute to 'truly amazing' teenager following tragic crash

Bethany Michelle Ovenden-Gumm, 18, was a passenger of a Ford Fiesta that veered off a road in Westbury, Wiltshire, and collided with a garden wall and tree at 11.40pm last Friday.

The family of the former Brune Park School student has paid tribute to the teenager who had ‘the world in her hands’.

In a statement published by Wiltshire Police, a family member said: ‘What can we say about Bethany? All parents will say their children were amazing and beautiful, and that their loss is the hardest thing to ever have to face. But Beth was truly amazing, gorgeous and so talented.

‘Our Beth had the most beautiful smile that lit up any room.

‘She was and will always be a free spirit. She had a way about her that touched so many hearts. Be it her smile, her laugh or just the way she was.’

The teenager, who grew up in Westbury, had left Brune Park School and was studying childcare at Trowbrige College.

Paying teenager’s outgoing nature and passion for make-up, the family member added: ‘She was the life and soul of the party, with a big heart and kind soul.

‘Outgoing and caring, her amazing self-taught beauty and hair techniques were perfection and her eyebrows on point

‘She has left a massive hole in our hearts. Life will never be the same without her in it.

‘She was truly loved by all. Fly high, our beautiful butterfly.’

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Bethany leaves behind her mother Tracie, her father Ben, stepmother Dawny, and eight siblings.

As well as thanking those who have sent messages of condolence and support, Bethany's family has thanked the emergency services for their efforts following the crash,

Police continue to investigate the crash, with Wiltshire Police saying the vehicle ‘appeared to have lost control (and) left the road’.

The driver, a 19-year-old man, was seriously injured and taken to Southmead Hospital.

The two other passengers sustained significant injuries.

An 18-year-old woman was also taken to Southmead Hospital while another girl, 17, was taken to Royal United Hospitals in Bath.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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