Natasha Thorp, who was struck by a car on Brassington Avenue in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, has been described as “beautiful inside and out” by a devastated friend
This is “one in a million” young woman died after being run over outside a shopping centre.
Medics desperately battle to save Natasha Thorp, 21, but she was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which happened on just before midnight on Friday August 22. Two men have since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. One suspect was released with no further action while the other was bailed with conditions.
Natasha’s family has today paid tribute to the woman and thanked the public who stayed with her at the scene in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, during her final moments.
“It’s very important to our family to know that she wasn’t alone at the end. You were one in a million Tasha and you will never be forgotten. Night Tash, love you,” the poignant tribute reads.
The family added: “To know Natasha was to know a life filled with love, laughter, and joy. It was a privilege to know her as a part of our family or as a friend.
“Going forward without her is so hard to imagine. We would like to thank the emergency services who tried in vain to save her that night.
“And we would also like to thank the wonderful people of Sutton Coldfield for their kind support, particularly those that stayed with, or came to help Natasha on that terrible night.”
A heartbreaking 25ft (7m) long shrine featuring hundreds of tributes and flowers has since appeared at the scene outside the Gracechurch Shopping Centre in Sutton Coldfield. One emoptional note said: “Beautiful inside and out. You will never be forgotten.”
Another read: “My beautiful Tash, you were the best friend I could have ever wished for. You were so funny, caring and crazy. I’m so incredibly grateful for our time together. You changed my life. I will never ever forget you. I love you more than you’ll ever know.” One tribute from the woman’s uncle and aunty, reads: “To our darling Tish, we are broken. You will be with us forever.”
The crash happened on Brassington Avenue, which is in the centre of Sutton Coldfield, a town eight miles north of central Birmingham.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Specially trained officers are continuing to support her family, and our thoughts remain with her loved ones and everyone who knew her.
“Our investigation is still continuing and a man remains on bail with strict conditions. We would ask anyone with any information and footage who hasn’t come forward yet, and may have seen a silver Toyota Corolla immediately before the collision, to speak to us and make a report.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log number 5911 of August 22 or email detectives directly at [email protected]