Family pay tribute to 'caring daughter and sister' killed in crash
18-year-old Laionie Kennard from Verwood was a passenger in a BMW that left the road on Saturday night
Last updated 19th Sep 2023
The family of a young woman who died in a car crash in East Dorset have paid tribute to her.
At just after 9.30pm on Saturday (16 September) officers received a report of a collision on Hurn Road, between Ringwood and Matchams. It was reported that the vehicle involved, a blue BMW 1 Series, had left the carriageway and sustained extensive damage.
Emergency services attended and very sadly 18-year-old Laionie Kennard from Verwood, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The three other occupants of the vehicle were taken to hospital, one is believed to have sustained serious injuries and the other two are believed to have sustained minor injuries.
Two men and a woman, all aged 18, were arrested on suspicion of driving offences. They have all been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Family Tribute
The family of Laionie have issued the following tribute: “Laionie was our princess. She was the most kind, caring daughter and sister we could ever of wished for.
“Her smile would light up a room, and she was loved by so many. I cannot explain in words just how much she is going to be missed.
“We would like to thank everyone for their kind and generous donations at this unbelievably hard time, our girl will have the send off she deserves. We will love you forever the brightest star in the sky, our Laionie.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to the fundraising effort can do so online.
Police Appeal
Police Sergeant Mike Gatfield, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “The thoughts of the investigation team and everyone at Dorset Police remain with the family and friends of Laionie Kennard.
“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and I am appealing to any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, to please come forward.
“We would ask that there is no speculation online about this very sad incident while officers continue their detailed enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230147318.