A 19-year-old actress died in a collision between her car and a lorry while travelling to perform for children at a library in Wiltshire. Rosa Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene on the A4 near the Somerset border last Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services were called at around 1.30pm to the crash involving a Hyundai i10 and a Scania Tipper HGV. Despite their efforts, Rosa could not be saved. Wiltshire Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to come forward.
Rosa's father, Gareth Taylor, paid tribute to his daughter, describing her as "the most beautiful person inside and out" and "the very definition of a spirit that shines brightly and dies young." He added that she was a loving and talented young person with a fantastic life ahead of her.
Rosa, from Upholland, Lancashire, was a talented performer who studied musical theatre at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) Sixth Form College. She had recently been accepted to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London, starting in September. She also performed with Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre and in productions such as Legally Blonde: The Musical.
At the time of the crash, Rosa was touring as the lead in the Beggars Belief Collective production of SCRUMPTIOUS! and was on her way to perform at Corsham Library. She also worked as an entertainer at children's birthday parties, portraying characters like Ariana Grande and Disney princesses to bring joy to young children.
Friends and family remember Rosa as a "shining star" and the "most naturally gifted performer." Anyone with information is urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 or email SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk, quoting log 54250100571.
