The family of Erin Bennett, a 22-year-old woman who died in a crash on the A1 in Northumberland, have paid tribute to her, saying their "world has been shattered beyond belief."
Ms Bennett was pronounced dead at the scene of a three-vehicle collision near Felton on Sunday. The recent criminology and psychology graduate had recently secured her "dream" job and was due to begin training with Northumbria Police to become a detective.
'The most amazing beautiful woman'
In a statement, her family said: "Erin Bennett was the most amazing beautiful woman and our whole world has been shattered beyond belief. Erin was not only a big sister and daughter, she was also our best friend."
They added: "She lit up the room with her contagious smile and was loved by everyone. She was the most caring, thoughtful, wonderful woman and was so excited about her future after gaining her degree in criminology and psychology."
Ms Bennett's boyfriend, Craig, also paid tribute, saying: "Erin you are the most beautiful, amazing and loveable girlfriend in the world. You lit up the room anytime you walked in with your beautiful smile and your charm."
Investigation and appeal
Northumbria Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is investigating the collision. Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the moments leading up to the incident to come forward.
Sergeant Greg Huntley, of Northumbria Police, said: "We will continue to offer the family all the support they need and would ask that their privacy is respected at this time."
He added: "We are continuing to appeal for further information and for anyone with dashcam footage of the vehicles involved to come forward. If you were travelling in either direction on the A1 around the time of this collision, any information you are able to provide could prove important to our ongoing enquiries."
Anyone with information or footage can contact police via social media, live chat, or report forms on the website, or call 101 quoting reference number NP-20261018-0441.
Previous incidents on the same road
The collision is the latest on the same stretch of road. In May and June this year, six people were killed in three separate crashes on the road within weeks of each other. Following those incidents, ChronicleLive launched a campaign, "Dual the A1 and save lives," working with politicians, business leaders, and community groups to demand dualling of the A1 in Northumberland.
