The family of a 16-year-old girl who died in a crash near Bushton last week have said she “was loved by everyone she met”.

Toya Jefferies, from Royal Wootton Bassett, was a passenger when a car crashed on an unnamed road between Bushton and Hilmarton on Thursday, August 29, 

Her family have paid tribute to her, saying: “Toya was the most beautiful, amazing daughter. She was tragically taken from us and her family on 29th of August 2024.(Image: Family handout)

“The only way to describe Toya is a little firecracker who touched everyone’s hearts. She was loved by everyone she met and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

“With the tragic circumstances we can see how much Toya was loved and how she has brought our community together.”

A spokesperson added: “The family would like to ask for privacy at this devastating time for them.”(Image: Newsquest)

Wiltshire Police officers were called to the single-vehicle crash involving a Renault Clio at about 9.45pm less than 10 miles south of Swindon at the junction with Withy Bed Crossroads.

An arrest was made of an 18-year-old man, the driver of the car, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has since been taken into custody.

At the time of the incident, officers warned drivers that a serious crash had taken place overnight and the route was unlikely to reopen soon.

Nearly 12 hours after police first arrived at the scene, a road closure remained in place while further investigation works were carried out.(Image: Newsquest)

This did not cause significant delays on surrounding roads, but drivers were advised to avoid the closed area.

Police officers appealed for witnesses to the crash and anyone with dashcam footage to contact them.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Any witnesses to the collision or anyone who has dashcam footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 quoting log 351 of yesterday’s date.

“Alternatively they can contact the team directly at SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk.”