Yahoo News Charlotte Staplehurst: Parents pay heartbreaking tributes to 'loving' student killed in New Malden crash
The parents of an aspiring cancer scientist who died after being hit by a car today paid tribute to their “beautiful” daughter who had “so much to live for”.
Emergency services battled for 50 minutes to save her but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ms Staplehurst was in her third year at Kingston University studying pharmaceutical science, and had dreamed of working in cancer research.
Her parents Tracy and Robert said: “Charlotte had a sensitive, warm and caring spirit, touching the hearts and lives of everyone she met, greeting everyone with her radiant unwavering smile.
"She was beautiful and smart with so much to live for and had a great potential in her chosen career in the pharmaceutical industry.
“Charlotte loved her friends and had a passion for skiing and Asian food. Charlotte leaves a void in our and her sister Maxine’s heart, an emptiness that can never be filled.
"We dearly loved her and would have gone to the end of the earth for her. She will be greatly missed.”
Ms Staplehurst’s boyfriend Harry Foster wrote on Instagram: “Never in the world did I think I would be doing this. These are the situations you read about thinking this could never happen to someone you love. The times I spent with you were the best of my life and what I feel for you will never change.
“You were my world and nobody could or will ever replace you. You are the best person I know. I would not change a single part of who you are. I am so sorry. I promise I will see you again. I love you Charlotte.”
Ms Staplehurst, originally from Eastbourne, lived in a student flat half a mile from the scene of the accident — in Coombe Road at about 11.30pm on Monday last week.
The 27-year-old Seat Leon driver stopped at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was released under investigation. Anyone with information should call police on 020 8543 5157 or on 101 quoting CAD 8304/13AUG.
