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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Adam Gillham & Ryan Merrifield

Woman, 39, killed after being hit by ambulance at bus stop 'lit up any room'

The devastated family of a woman who was killed in a collision with an ambulance have paid an emotional tribute to her.

Carmel Ryder, 39, was killed in the accident with the ambulance on August 5.

Paramedics attempted to save her life alongside fire fighters who attended the single vehicle crash.

But she was pronounced dead at the scene near Redhill, Surrey.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the ambulance careered off the road while on the way to hospital and hit the victim as she was waiting at a bus shelter.

A Surrey Police spokesman said at the time of the crash: "We're appealing for witnesses after a single vehicle collision involving a South East Coast Ambulance vehicle and pedestrian on Brighton Road in Redhill.

The ambulance is understood to careened off the road (Surrey Live / Darren Pepe)

"Officers, alongside paramedics and the fire service, attended the scene at around 9.20am.

"Sadly, despite best efforts of paramedics, a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from officers."

In a statement released by the family through Surrey Police today, they said: "We as a family are shocked and devastated by the loss of Carmel.

Tributes left at the scene of the crash (Surrey Live / Darren Pepe)

"She was so precious to us, a life partner, a daughter, a sister, an auntie, and so loved by many people. Anyone who knew her, knew she lit up any room she walked into.

"She grew up in Shepherds Bush and had many adventures before settling in Salfords, Surrey, where she was building her future with Barry.

"Carmel, as a hair stylist, was fortunate to find a profession she loved and was passionate about. She bought joy to colleagues and clients alike, which often led to friendships.

"Carmel had a real zest for life, she loved the outdoors and was never happier than when exploring something new. She was a keen cyclist, loved her fitness, loved books and good food.

"We would like to thank family and friends for their comfort and support at this difficult time and to join us in remembering Carmel for the amazing person she was."

The South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) offered their "sincere condolences" to the family of the woman who died in the crash involving one of its vehicles.

A SECAmb spokesman said at the time of the crash: "Following a road traffic collision involving a Trust ambulance and a pedestrian on Brighton Road, Salfords...we can confirm that sadly the pedestrian died at the scene.

"We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family involved at this difficult time.

"The circumstances of the collision are being investigated by Surrey Police and we are therefore unable to comment further."

Anyone with information or dashcam footage which may help the investigation should contact Surrey Police quoting reference number P21168441.

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