Family’s tribute to sporty teenager killed when car crashed into a tree

An 18-year-old’s family have said they are devastated after she died when the car she was a passenger in crashed into a tree.

Sophie Ford was in the car with a 27-year-old man who remains in hospital with serious injuries after they left the carriageway on the A21 in Hastings two weeks ago.

Her family said she was a keen animal lover and sportswoman who ‘touched the hearts of so many people’.

They said: ‘We are devastated at the loss of Sophie our beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, grand-daughter and friend to so many.

‘A recent leaver from Battle Abbey School, Sophie was an avid animal lover and sportswoman who loved to sing and listen to music.

‘She was a volunteer at a local animal sanctuary and stables and had just embarked upon a Degree course in Veterinary Physiotherapy at Writtle University College, Chelmsford. Sophie had been an active member of the South Saxons hockey club in Hastings for the last five years and played for the ladies’ first team.

‘She had such a promising future ahead of her and we are devastated that her life has been brought to a premature end in this way.

‘Sophie touched the hearts of so many people both in the region and overseas and she will be very sadly missed by us all.’

She had recently started a degree studying Veterinary Physiotherapy in Chelmsford and was also a keen hockey player and music lover.

The driver of the vehicle, a 27-year-old man, remains in hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries sustained when his car let the carriageway and collided with a tree.

Sussex Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses to the crash that occurred at around 11.20pm on October 27 and involved a white Seat Leon Cupra.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.