Teenager dies in car smash (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Teenager dies in car smash

10:25am Friday 15th December 2006

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Parents and friends have paid tribute to the young woman who died in a car accident while returning home from a night out with friends.

Tiffany Smith, 18, of Bicester Road, Richmond, died in West Middlesex hospital after being thrown from the rear seat of the car in the accident on Petersham Road near the junction with Sudbrook Gardens.

Police believe the vehicle, a black Honda Civic Type R, lost control and crossed the carrigeway hitting the fence at around 4am on Sunday morning.

Tiffany's mother, Tina Smith, 50, said: "Everyone loved Tiff. It's a crying shame the world has lost someone so lovely."

A male front seat passenger and two other female rear seat passengers - all believed to be in their late teens or early twenties - sustained minor injuries.

The driver, a 22-year-old man, left the scene on foot along the Petersham Road in the direction of Kingston.

Tiffany's death is the third in the family this year after Mrs Smith's father-in-law passed away in April, followed by her own father in July.

Mrs Smith said: "It's been a tough year for me and my husband."

She added: "It was my 50th birthday last Friday - I did not expect to change my birthday cards for sympathy cards, I thought I would be swapping them for Christmas cards instead."

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the car prior to the collision travelling from Kingston towards Richmond, possibly along the Richmond and Upper Ham Roads, or anyone who witnessed the accident to call the Collision Investigation Unit at Hampton Traffic Garage on 020 8941 9011.

A 22-year-old male was arrested at an address in Chessington on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

• Did you know Tiffany? Call the Richmond newsdesk on 020 8939 1536 or email rtt@london.newsquest.co.uk.

Leave your own tribute for Tiffany or message for her family using our comment feature.

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