Heartbroken mum’s tribute to North-east schoolgirl, 14, killed in crash

A devastated North-east mum today paid tribute after her 14-year-old daughter was killed in a car crash.

Neringa Narusyte died after the black Vauxhall Corsa she was travelling in collided with a Nissan Terrano on the B9016 Keith to Buckie road last night.

Another girl, also aged 14, suffered life threatening injuries and was to be transferred to Glasgow by air ambulance for treatment following the smash.

The accident happened on the B9016 Keith to Buckie road, near Rye Riggs, Aultmore.

Ilona Narusyte, 34, today said her daughter, who attended Buckie High School, had been out with friends during the night and had known the 17-year-old driver of the car.

Two other girls, aged 16 and 17, were also seriously injured.

Ms Narusyte paid tribute to her daughter at the family home in Buckie. She said: “She was a lovely, nice girl. She was just a teenager.

“She’s always going to be loved and remembered.

“I still can’t believe that she’s gone.

“She liked speed, going on rollercoasters and that sort of thing. Anything thrilling.”

The family had recently visited England, where they posed for a picture on the London Eye.

The 14-year-old is survived by older sister Erika, 17, 10-month-old baby brother Jay and step dad Colin Milne.

Rector Neil Johnson, who described her as a popular girl with a wide circle of friends, said: “This is the type of news that all schools dread and it has hit everyone here very hard.

“Staff spoke to all our pupils first thing this morning to break the news to them and, along with members of our chaplaincy team, we held a special assembly for S3 pupils this morning.

“The loss of Neringa is felt by us all but I am confident that the very strong community spirit at Buckie High will help us support each other and deal with this tragedy.

“A support centre has been set up in school by our guidance staff, chaplains and support staff to help pupils and staff who are affected by this tragedy share their feelings and support each other. This will remain open for as long as it is needed.”

Road Policing Sergeant Rob Warnock appealed for witnesses to come forward yesterday.

He said: “My thoughts, and that of my officers, are very much with the family and friends of the 14-year-old girl who sadly died in this tragic collision.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the crash or who may have seen either vehicle shortly beforehand and who hasn’t yet spoken with police to do so as a matter of urgency to help us piece together exactly what happened.”