'An inspiration': Tributes paid to girl, 16, killed in Black Country crash
The family of a 16-year-old girl killed in a horror crash that also claimed the life of two others have paid tribute to their "beautiful baby".
Five people were in the Skoda Fabia when it crashed into a tree in Bromley Lane, Kingswinford, shortly before 9pm on Tuesday.
Driver Joshua Parkes, aged 21, back-seat passenger Lucy Tibbetts, 16, and a 16-year-old girl whose family have asked for privacy were all pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other passengers, an 18-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, were critically injured and remain in hospital.
Lucy's family have now paid tribute to the teenager, calling her an "inspiration".
In an emotional statement, Lucy's mother said: "Our beautiful baby has been taken from us.
"You were an inspiration Lulu, you made us smile you yourself found it so hard to – not just a daughter, a true friend.
"Rest in peace, no one can hurt you now."
Lucy had been a prefect at Crestwood School in Kingswinford, where she left this summer, and also worked at JRM Electrical Contractors in Brierley Hill.
Her colleagues also paid tribute in a statement which said: “All the team here are absolutely devastated by the news, she was beautiful, talented and had a bright future.
"Lucy always had a smile on her face and she will be greatly missed by all of us here at JRM Electrical. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Meanwhile tributes continue to be left at the crash scene, near the junction with Standhills Road.
Dozens of bunches of flowers have been left next to the tree along with balloons, photos and handwritten cards.
Police are investigating the crash and are examining the role a nearby police car may have played in the build up to the impact.
West Midlands Police yesterday changed an earlier statement to say it was unable to clarify whether officers had been chasing the Fabia when the crash happened.
The force previously said officers had seen the vehicle but not spoken with the people inside or pursued it, before changing the statement to say "it is not known if there was any interaction with the Skoda" and that the role of the police car is being investigated.
A spokesman from West Midlands Police said: "Specialist officers continue to support the families of all five victims, including the two who remain in hospital where their condition is unchanged.
"The police investigation into the crash continues."
Anyone with information is asked to get in touch with the police by calling 101, quoting log 4469 of October 13.
