A FAMILY has paid tribute to their "beautiful" daughter who died in a crash near Ross-on-Wye on Monday.

Jade Maria Smith, aged 18, died following a crash on the A40 between Ross and Weston-under-Penyard at around 7.30am.

Her family said: "Sadly on March 19 we lost our beautiful beloved daughter Jade Maria Smith, who was tragically taken away from us in a road traffic accident.

"Jade will be greatly missed by her mum Biz, dad Darren and younger sister Gemma. She will also be sorely missed by the rest of her close-knit family who all live within arm's reach of each other and are all supporting one another through this devastating time.

"Jade recently celebrated her 18th birthday with close family and her boyfriend Joe."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash between a white Vauxhall Vivaro van and a silver Vauxhall Corsa.

Her family added: "Jade was a former pupil at Weston-under-Penyard school.

"At the age of nine she was encouraged to play cricket for which she was picked out by her coach to play for the Hereford county cricket team. She continued her love of sports at John Kyrle High School, playing for the hockey and netball teams.

"In November 2017 Jade began working as a business administrator at GB Electrical and Building Services in Hereford where she wanted to achieve her ATT in accountancy, this was due to a love of numeracy from an early age.

"Jade enjoyed her job and often told her family how much she loved working."

Her family said that Jade loved makeup and often "spent hours perfecting it."

She was also willing to help anyone and helped her cousin with the finer details on celebration cakes.

The tribute continued: "The family had a tradition of hay baling, this had been done by many generations of the family and Jade enjoyed the tradition of helping out with this annually.

"Jade will always be greatly missed and remembered for her cheeky laugh and infectious smile.

"The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the support and sympathy throughout this heart-breaking time."

Jade's family have requested that they are left to grieve in peace at this difficult time.

Headteacher at John Kyrle High School, Nigel Griffiths, said: "The school was shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news of Jade’s accident.

"She joined us from Weston-under-Penyard school in 2001 and settled into life at JKHS happily."

He said her tutor, Anna Pleasance, recalls that Jade was a kind and lovely member of the tutor group who formed close and rewarding friendships with her peers.

Mr Griffiths added: "She was also respected and liked by her teachers who will always remember how she consistently managed to work hard and still keep a smile on her face.

"She was an active member of the school's rounders and hockey teams and an asset to the school in general."

Mr Griffiths has spoken to members of the family to pass on the school’s condolences and offer his support. 

Students have left floral tributes to Jade and will be raising money next week in support of the air ambulance, in Jade’s memory.

Jade, who was driving the Corsa, had serious injuries and was transferred by air ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where she later died.

If you have any information which can help police call 101 quoting incident 59s of 19 March 2018.