Family’s tribute to ‘amazing’ daughter, 18, hit by ‘stolen’ construction vehicle

Tributes have flooded in for an 18-year-old woman who died following an incident involving a ‘stolen’ loading vehicle in Essex.

Tallulah Bradford suffered ‘significant injuries’ in the incident in Chalkwell Park, Southend-on-Sea, on June 13 and died six days later.

In a statement, her mum and family said: ‘Tallulah always lived her best life, had a beautiful soul and life will never be the same without her.

‘Losing Tallulah has left a whole in many hearts that could never be filled but we will forever be grateful for the memories we have made with her. We will miss her eternally.

‘We would like to thank the emergency services who cared for Tallulah when she needed it the most.’

Tallulah’s friends also paid tribute to ‘the brightest star in the sky’.

Mya said: ‘Tallulah was more than my best friend, she was family. Thank you for filling my life with laughter and unforgettable memories.

‘Her kindness, strength, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her, and I will always treasure the special bond we shared.

‘Life will never be the same without you, and there will always be a space in my heart that belongs to you.

‘Though you’re no longer here, your love and the memories we created together will stay with me forever.’

Macie added: ‘Tallulah was more than just a friend to me, she was my best friend who had been by my side since we met at school at the age of five.

‘Growing up we shared so many secrets, laughter, good times and memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

‘Her craziness and beautiful spirit will stay with me forever and I’m grateful to have had her by my side.

‘She will always be deeply missed and never be forgotten. Love you always, be the brightest star in the sky.’

Another, Shannon, said: Shannon added: ‘Tallulah was kind-hearted, caring, generous and most of all the biggest diva. She wasn’t just a friend to me, she was like a sister.

‘She will forever be missed and loved. I’ll forever cherish every memory that we have together and we will make sure she is forever remembered as the special girl she was.’

A Essex Police spokesperson said: ‘We were called to the Chalkwell Park area at around 12.30am on Saturday, June 13, to reports a group of people to had taken unauthorised control of a small articulated loading vehicle.

‘Tallulah Bradford sustained significant injuries in a collision involving the vehicle and sadly passed away on June 19. Our officers are continuing to support her family.

‘Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing, and an 18-year-old man from Westcliff and a 17 year-old boy arrested in connection with the incident remain on bail until September.

‘We know there were a large number of young people in the area at the time, and we believe some may have witnessed what happened.

‘We need anyone who has information and who we’ve not already spoken with to come forward.’

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