Ava Gillies, a rising Hollywood make-up artist known for her work on the billion-dollar blockbuster Barbie, as well as Netflix hits Bridgerton and The Crown, has died at the age of 26. She was killed in a car crash on July 29.
Details of the Crash
The collision happened at 1:20am on the A170 near Wrelton. A black Audi A4 collided with her white Volkswagen Polo. Emergency services attempted to save her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Five occupants of the Audi A4 were taken to hospital with injuries of varying severity, but none are thought to be life-threatening.
Family Tributes
Ava's family expressed their heartbreak in a statement: "Ava, we will always, always miss you, your wit, your charm, your beauty, your feisty confidence, your many talents and your excellence in your field: hair & makeup for film and TV. In almost 27 years with us, you packed in so much, study, travel, and work."
They added: "It was a privilege to have raised you and loved you. Our beautiful daughter, sister and granddaughter, your loss is immeasurable. We are so proud of your hard work and success, your BAFTA Connect membership and the opportunities that brought your career path from talented artist to new designer."
Tribute from Her Alma Mater
The Delamar Academy of Make-up & Hair, where Ava trained, also paid tribute. In a Facebook post featuring a black and white image of Ava, they wrote: "We are broken hearted to announce that our wonderful and talented graduate Ava Gillies has tragically died in a car accident earlier this week. Ava was an exceptionally gifted artist, and has been successfully building her career since training at Delamar in 2018. Ava was a kind, creative, hardworking and lovely person who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our hearts go out to her parents and brother, and all her family and friends."
Police Appeal
North Yorkshire Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the accident. Anyone who saw either vehicle travelling on the A170 prior to the incident, or who has dashcam or CCTV footage that could assist enquiries, is being asked to email or call 101, quoting reference 12260145114.
