The family of a woman who died when a van driver crashed into her car while overtaking on a blind bend have spoken of how the tragedy has affected them.
Amy Young, 31, was killed when Ashley Lakin, 23, tried to get past a lorry while driving his van on the A6006 Rempstone Road in Nottinghamshire.
Miss Young, of Melton Mowbray, was driving a Peugeot in the other direction. She died at the scene after suffering multiple injuries on August 4 last year.
Lakin, formerly of Burrough Street, Kegworth, Leicestershire, was jailed for four years at Nottingham Crown Court last Wednesday (October 11) after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
In a statement, Amy’s family said: “Amy was a young and vibrant girl with her whole life ahead of her. She was the one who helped with the dogs and horses and was always there to get her hands dirty with the jobs.
“We try not to let our mind wander, but it is so hard not to sob when you think that we will never see her beautiful face again, hear her giggly voice, hear her excitement when she tells us she is getting married or having a baby. We will never give her away or dance with her at her own wedding.
“To die this young is just a tragedy. We light a candle in her memory, but the flame does not come anywhere near close to the feeling of one of Amy’s warm hugs. You will be remembered forever Amy.”
Miss Young had worked as a Kennel Assistant at the Defence Animal Centre, near Melton, for seven years.
Major Drew Tootal from the centre’s Veterinary Squadron said: “Amy was a bright and bubbly character who was devoted to the dogs here, and was just as besotted with animals at home, amassing quite a collection of various species.
“Those who knew her well will recollect her ability to be heard across a wide field while being dragged in all directions by one of the dogs on their walk.
“She had an uncanny ability to brighten a room, and was ceaseless in putting others before herself.”
