"Thoughtful, generous, kind and determined": Tributes paid to 18 year old killed in Barham crash

Bethany McCauley was fatally injured during a single vehicle crash last month

18 year old Bethany McCauley
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 22nd May 2023

Tributes have been paid to an 18 year old woman who died after a crash in Barham last month.

Police were called to Thorhill Road at around 12:35am on April 29, to reports a blue Vauxhall Corsa had been involved in a crash.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, Bethany McCauley from Pinewood, near Ipswich, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, also a teenager, remains at Ipswich Hospital in a stable condition.

Bethany’s family have asked us to issue the following tribute on their behalf:

“Bethany was the bright light that lit up our lives. A real force of nature. Loud and funny, yet at times quiet and happy in her own company.

“During both primary and high school, she loved a variety of sports and was on the high school netball team all throughout her time at Claydon High School. She enjoyed cooking and baking at home as well as cleaning and organising.

“Therefore it should have come as no surprise when she went to work at Park View residential care home as a domestic.

“This also allowed her to show her caring nature as she was able to spend time talking to the residents and on occasion would sit and hold their hand. She was very pleased to win the award for favourite domestic which was voted for by the residents.

“Thoughtful, generous, kind and determined are all words that come to mind when we think of her. Setting her mind to learning to drive and buying a car all of which she did by herself.

“Devoted to her not so small dog Stomper, she was in the process of changing her job so that he would have company throughout the day.

“We wish to thank the residents of Barham and the emergency services who tried to help her.

“She will be deeply missed by her parents, younger brother William, Grandmother, aunts and uncle as well as by her friends, Smudge the cat and of course Stomper.”

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the crash, as well as anyone who was in the area at the time, to get in touch.

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