THE family of a sports loving teenager who died after a head-on car crash near Ross-on-Wye have paid tribute to their “beautiful beloved daughter”.

Eighteen-year-old Jade Smith’s former school, John Kyrle, also remembered a “kind and lovely” student, who worked hard and always had “a smile on her face”.

Jade’s car was involved in a collision with a van on the A40 near Hildersley early on Monday, March 19.

A family tribute this week said: “Sadly on March 19 2018 we lost our beautiful beloved daughter Jade Marie Smith, who was tragically taken away from us in a road traffic accident.

“Jade will be greatly missed by her mum Biz, dad Darren and younger sister Gemma.

“She will also be sorely missed by the rest of her close-knit family who all live within arm’s reach of each other and are all supporting one another through this devastating time.

“Jade recently celebrated her 18th birthday with close family and her boyfriend Joe. Jade was a former pupil at Weston-under-Penyard school. At the age of nine she was encouraged to play cricket for which she was picked out by her coach to play for the Hereford county cricket team, and she continued her love of sports at John Kyrle High School, playing for the hockey and netball teams.  

“In November 2017 Jade began working as a business administrator at GB Electrical & Building Services in Hereford where she wanted to achieve her ATT in accountancy. This was due to a love of numeracy from an early age. Jade enjoyed her job and often told her family how much she loved working.

“Jade loved make up and often spent hours perfecting it. Jade was willing to help anyone and helped her cousin with the finer details on celebration cakes.

“The family had a tradition of hay baling, this had been done by many generations of the family and Jade enjoyed the tradition of helping out with this annually.

“Jade will always be greatly missed and remembered for her cheeky laugh and infectious smile.

“The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the support and sympathy throughout this heart-breaking time.”

John Kyrle High School headteacher Nigel Griffiths said: “The school was shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news of Jade’s accident.

“She joined us from Weston-under-Penyard school in 2011 and settled into life at JKHS happily.

“Her tutor, Anna Pleasance, recalls that Jade was a kind and lovely member of the tutor group who formed close and rewarding friendships with her peers.

“She was also respected and liked by her teachers who will always remember how she consistently managed to work hard and still keep a smile on her face.

“She was an active member of the school’s rounders and hock­ey teams and an asset to the school in general.”

Mr Griffiths has spoken to her family to pass on the school’s condolences and offer his support. 

Students have left floral tributes to Jade and will be raising money next week in support of the air ambulance, in her memory.

Jade was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham after the silver Vauxhall Corsa she was driving towards Ross-on-Wye collided with a white Vauxhall Vivaro van on the A40 between Hildersley and Weston-under-Penyard, shortly before 7.30am.

West Mercia Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 59s of March 19, 2018.