Lexi Catlin, 15, died in a road traffic collision on the A355 in Beaconsfield last Friday
The family of a “beautiful” girl killed in a crash have said she was just days away from her 16th birthday.
Lexi Catlin died following a road traffic collision on the A355 in Beaconsfield last Friday (March 13).
In a tribute released by Thames Valley Police, the family said: “It is with a heavy heart that we must report that our beautiful baby girl, Lexi, was tragically taken from us last Friday, aged just 15 years old. Lexi was kind, caring, funny and outgoing, whose smile lit up every room. She loved being out with her friends, having fun and making the most of every minute of every day.
“Lexi had so, so much to offer this world, with so many dreams and aspirations that we will now never get to see her fulfil. Words cannot express how much Lexi was loved and adored by her family, who miss her so much already. We are truly heartbroken, with a massive Lexi-shaped hole in our lives, which will never be the same again. Tomorrow would have been Lexi’s 16th birthday.
“The family is holding a private event to mark this special occasion. We therefore respectfully request privacy for our family and friends at this difficult time. Fly high, Lexi Lulu — you’ll be the brightest star in the sky. All our love, always.”
Thames Valley Police previously said a three-vehicle collision occurred between a white Toyota Yaris, a grey Toyota Hilux and a motorbike on the A355 in Buckinghamshire at around 9.20pm on Friday. Lexi, who was a passenger on the motorbike, sadly died at the scene.
The rider of the motorbike, a 16-year-old boy from Beaconsfield, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Two other teenagers, also on a motorbike, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, from High Wycombe, were also held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The force said a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as a police vehicle was nearby. The police vehicle was driving on the opposite carriageway, not on blue lights, it said.
Lead investigating officer Oliver Cahill-Smith said at the time: “Firstly, I would like to share my sincere condolences with the family of the girl who has sadly died as a result of this collision. I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to please get in touch. I would also like to ask anyone who was driving in the area prior to the collision to review their dash-cam footage as it may contain information that could assist our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or make an online report via the Thames Valley Police website, quoting reference number 43260125160. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the Crimestoppers website.
