Tributes to 'bubbly girl' killed in crash

Dec 18 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

NEIGHBOURS and ex-colleagues paid tribute to a bright and bubbly girl from Northumberland killed in a car crash this week.

Claire Louise Hughes died when her car skidded on ice and smashed into a stone bridge on Sunday night. The 24-year-old, from Oakfield Park, Prudhoe, was driving near Harlow Hill when the accident happened.

Ms Hughes was in her Renault Clio when she lost control and came off the C256 between Harlow Hill and Horsley.

The road was closed for two and half hours as police officers investigated. She was taken to Newcastle General Hospital, but medics were unable to save her life.

Ms Hughes had moved in with her fiance a couple of years ago. He was being comforted by family and friends at home last night.

She had worked in the cafe run by her mother at the Tyne Valley Garden Centre, Mickley Square, Stocksfield, before it was closed for refurbishment.

Neighbours in the small cul-de-sac of Oakfield Park spoke of a friendly girl who always had time to say hello. Bob Quail, 73, who lives opposite her home, said: “She had lived in the house for about two years. I would see her most days and she would come over and have a chat whenever I saw her.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found she has been killed. A neighbour told me yesterday. She was so bright and bubbly, she always seemed happy.

“The weather has been cold up here for the last few weeks and the roads have been treacherous, so icy.

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s a tragedy. They seemed to be the perfect couple, they were always happy together.”

A colleague at the garden centre, who also asked to remain anonymous, said Ms Hughes would be missed. She added: “She had worked here since she was about 19 and was a great worker. Everyone here got on well with her, she was so friendly. And she had loads of friends and loved going out with them.

“None of us can believe what has happened. It has come as such a shock. She worked here until September when the cafe closed down. She was great at her job.

“It is tragic. She was such a good driver, she never drank and drove and she was very careful in her car.”