Funeral for Sheffield student Caroline Everest

Family and friends of Sheffield student Caroline Everest, who was found dead after a night out, have gathered to pay their respects.

Published 18th Jan 2016

An 18-year-old university student who died on her way home from a night out in Sheffield has been described as "a young woman who had so much to give, so much to live for'' at her funeral.

Hundreds of people packed into the chapel at Grenoside Crematorium to pay their respects to Caroline Everest, known as Carrie.

Her body was discovered in a river in Sheffield on November 24.

The Sheffield Hallam University student was reported missing after leaving the Corporation nightclub two days before.

The Rev Phil Batchford told mourners, led by Miss Everest's parents Val and Chris, about the "privilege we all shared from having known her''.

Mr Batchford said Miss Everest had a "zest for life'' and added:

"Her life approach was one of participant, not observer.

"She was a young woman who had so much to give, so much to live for.''

The vicar described how Caroline started ballet lessons when she was four years old and developed a lifelong love of all forms of dance.

He said she had also been a keen runner and enjoyed many more aspects of life, including music and watching Sheffield Wednesday football club.

Rev. Batchford said she chose to study biomedical science at Sheffield Hallam University so she could have the best of both worlds - enjoying student life but carrying on with all her teenage interests in the city.

He described how she had so much to live for and explained how she had bought all her Christmas presents, she had ballet exams looming, had secured her first speaking role in the local panto and had also learned that she was going to be an auntie.

Reverend Batchford said:

"Carrie was very precious - loved by all and, as evidenced in all the cards, messages and thoughts the family has received - has had a huge impact on so many.

They, with the family, will never forget her or her radiant smile.''

The family led mourners into the chapel to the song She Will Be Loved, by Maroon 5, with its opening lyric: Beauty queen of only eighteen.''

"Carrie was a thoughtful girl and she cared deeply about her friends and family," they said.

"She tried so hard to organise her life and the things she wanted to do.

"She was a young woman with such a strong appetite for living and participating in everything she did."

Last month, South Yorkshire Police said that no one else was involved in her death.