The devastated loved ones of a teenage girl have paid an emotional tribute, saying the loss of her 'beautiful soul' has left 'a hole in many hearts'.
On Saturday, June 13, emergency services rushed to Chalkwell Park in Southend following reports that a group of individuals had taken unauthorised control of a small articulated loading vehicle. Tallulah Bradford, 18, was struck by the vehicle and heartbreakingly passed away days later on June 19.
Mother's Heartfelt Tribute
Her distraught mother described the youngster as a 'beautiful soul', reports Essex Live. In a moving statement, she said: 'Tallulah was not only a daughter to me, she was the bestest friend. She was an amazing sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin and was loved by all who knew her.'
'She was a beautiful, hardworking, fun and outgoing young girl. Tallulah always lived her best life, had a beautiful soul and life will never be the same without her.'
'Losing Tallulah has left a hole in many hearts that could never be filled but we will forever be grateful for the memories we have made with her. We will miss her eternally.'
'We would like to thank the emergency services who cared for Tallulah when she needed it the most.'
Friend's Emotional Words
Tallulah's closest friend, Macie, also offered a heartfelt tribute to the teenager. She said: 'Tallulah was more than just a friend to me, she was my best friend who had been by my side since we met at school at the age of five. Growing up we shared so many secrets, laughter, good times and memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.'
'Her craziness and beautiful spirit will stay with me forever and I'm grateful to have had her by my side. She will always be deeply missed and never be forgotten. Love you always, be the brightest star in the sky.'
Her mate Shannon also remarked: 'Tallulah was kind-hearted, caring, generous and most of all the biggest diva. She wasn't just a friend to me, she was like a sister.'
'I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for her. She will forever be missed and loved. I'll forever cherish every memory that we have together and we will make sure she is forever remembered as the special girl she was.'
Further Tributes and Police Investigation
Another close friend Mya commented: 'Tallulah was more than my best friend, she was family. Thank you for filling my life with laughter and unforgettable memories.'
'Her kindness, strength, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her, and I will always treasure the special bond we shared. Life will never be the same without you, and there will always be a space in my heart that belongs to you.'
'Though you're no longer here, your love and the memories we created together will stay with me forever.'
Essex Police confirmed investigations into the tragedy continue, with an 18-year-old man from Westcliff and a 17-year-old boy arrested in relation to the incident. Both suspects have been released on bail until September.
In an official statement, the force said: 'We know there were a large number of young people in the area at the time, and we believe some may have witnessed what happened. We need anyone who has information and who we've not already spoken with to come forward.'
'If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote incident 39 of 13 June.'
'You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.'
'If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.'
