THE family of a young woman who died in a car crash have described her as their "princess" whose smile "would light up a room".
Laionie Kennard was a passenger in a blue BMW 1 Series when the driver crashed on Hurn Road, between Ringwood and Matchams, at around 9.30pm on Saturday, September 16.
The car had left the carriageway and sustained excessive damage.
Emergency services attended and 18-year-old Laionie from Verwood was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three other occupants of the vehicle were taken to hospital, one is believed to have sustained serious injuries and the other two are believed to have sustained minor injuries.
Two men and a woman, all aged 18, were arrested on suspicion of driving offences. They have all been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
In a statement, Laionie's family said: “Laionie was our princess. She was the most kind, caring daughter and sister we could ever of wished for.
“Her smile would light up a room, and she was loved by so many. I cannot explain in words just how much she is going to be missed."
Ella Thorne-Alcazar launched a fundraising page, which has raised £18,416 as of September 19, to help pay for the funeral.
“We would like to thank everyone for their kind and generous donations at this unbelievably hard time, our girl will have the send off she deserves. We will love you forever the brightest star in the sky, our Laionie," the family added.
Police Sergeant Mike Gatfield, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “The thoughts of the investigation team and everyone at Dorset Police remain with the family and friends of Laionie Kennard.
“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and I am appealing to any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, to please come forward.
“We would ask that there is no speculation online about this very sad incident while officers continue their detailed enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230147318.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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