Anguish over crash girl, 13
A 13-YEAR-OLD girl who was killed in a three-vehicle crash was “beautiful” and “full of vitality”, her family said yesterday.
Ingrid Messenger was a passenger in a Citroen that collided with a Land Rover Defender and Mercedes Sprinter van near Southwaite, Cumbria, on Monday.
The schoolgirl died at the scene, while her 43-year-old mother was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where her condition was said to be stable.
Ingrid’s 15-year-old sister was admitted to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle with minor injuries after the smash.
The Land Rover driver, a 45-yearold man from west Cumbria, and the 60-year-old van driver from Lancashire were treated for shock and minor injuries.
In a statement, Ingrid’s family, from the village of Dalston, said: “Ingrid was a beautiful and happy sister, daughter, granddaughter, cousin and a friend to many.
“She was polite and full of vitality with a ‘give-it-a-go’ attitude and fun to be in the company of.
“She had a very bright future ahead of her.”
Vicki Jackson, head teacher of Caldew School in Dalston, described Ingrid as “a highly conscientious student who always gave her best and a delight to have as a member of our close school community”.
Cumbria Police said a 45-yearold man was arrested on suspicion of committing driving offences and perverting the course of justice.
He was later released under investigation.