Family of Quinton crash victim share heartbreaking detail after 'force of nature' student killed

Stephanie Balloo

27 June 2024 at 2:39 pm·2-min read

A much-loved university student killed alongside her dog in a tragic collision this week was 'looking forward' to her second year, her family has said. Lucy Atkins died after she was struck by a car in Quinton on Monday morning.

The 20-year-old's family dog Simba was also killed in the tragedy between Barnes Hill and Quinton Road West just before 8.45am. Today, her family has released an image of Lucy holding their Lakeland Terrier.

In a heartbreaking tribute, the family said Lucy had just finished her first year at Cardiff University and was excited about sharing a house with her friends for year two of her course. In a statement shared with West Midlands Police, Lucy’s devastated parents and brother said she was a "force of nature."

They said: "Lucy was a fabulous daughter who was full of life and who brought joy and fun into the lives of all she met. She was a force of nature, who lived life to the full.

"She was a former pupil of World’s End Nursery, St Peter’s School, Harborne, The Bluecoat School in Harborne and then Edgbaston High School.

"Lucy had just finished her first year at Cardiff University and was looking forward to sharing a house with her friends for her second year. The family now ask for privacy and time to grieve."

Lucy, who was on foot, sustained serious injuries and died a short time after the collision. The driver remained at the scene and is said to be helping with police enquiries. The family also thanked passers-by and the emergency services who came to Lucy’s aid.

They added: “We want to thank all those people who tried to save them, both passers-by and members of the emergency services, and all those who have left tributes at the scene and sent messages of condolence.”

Police say they are keen to hear from anyone who can assist the investigation. A spokesperson for the force said: "We’re particularly interested in hearing from anybody who was travelling in the area and has dash cam footage. You can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote log 857 of 24/6/24. You can also email SCIU@westmidlands.police.uk."

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