Tribute after teen dies at roadside (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Tribute after teen dies at roadside

11:04am Thursday 3rd August 2006 in Swindon By Gordon Simpson

CRICKLADE has been rocked this week by the tragic death of one of its most popular teenagers, Natalie Perryman.

Miss Perryman, 18, of Bishopsfield, was hit by a Volvo car as she walked along the A419 at about 4.15am on Sunday July 30.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 42-year-old woman, also from Cricklade, was struck by the car and taken to Great Western Hospital with leg injuries. She is still believed to be in a critical condition.

Miss Perryman was well known in the town.

Her neighbour Dot Avenell described her as a wonderful and friendly young woman.

"It's an absolute tragedy for her to die so young," she said. "She was a lovely girl.

"They are a lovely family and are well known and well liked in the community.

"She was a local girl full of life and energy.

"She was well liked in the community and it's just tragic. I still can't believe it.

"It's awful when it's someone that young. She was a lovely girl and always spoke.

"Someone like that should have their whole life in front of them and you think Why does it have to be them?' "God knows what her family must be thinking."

Miss Perryman was a member of the Vale of White Horse Social Club, High Street, and was also popular at the White Lion Inn in High Street.

White Lion licensee John Ruck said it was a shock to everyone in the town.

"It's a close-knit community and she will be missed by all," he said.

It is believed the two women were walking back after buying cigarettes at the 24-hour Esso service station on the A419.

They were struck by the car in the northbound lane of the dual carriageway between the services and the Cricklade turning.

The 32-year-old male driver from Fairford, suffered minor facial injuries. He was treated by paramedics at the scene, but did not require hospital treatment.

It is thought another woman was walking with the pair but was not hurt.

The northbound lane was closed for four hours.

Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the accident, or who saw the women or the car before the collision.

Contact PC Steve Love or Sgt Richard Moorhouse on 0845 408 7000.