College tribute to 'bright' teen killed in crash

Sophie Bates, 17, died after a crash on Cannock Road in Penkridge, Staffordshire

A college has paid tribute to a “bright and confident” beauty therapy student who was one of three people killed in a crash.

Sophie Bates, from Stafford, died after a collision on Cannock Road in Penkridge, Staffordshire, on 25 May.

The 17-year-old was taken to hospital, where she died three days later.

In a tribute posted on Facebook, Craig Hodgson, principal of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NGSC), said the community was deeply saddened by her death.

Two other victims, Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones, 18, and Morgan Jones, 17, both from Wrexham, died in the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Hodgson said: “Sophie was studying level two beauty therapy at NSCG Stafford College and was described by her lecturers as a bright, confident, motivated student with a positive attitude and a great sense of humour, which meant she was always laughing.”

She was attending a work placement at The Infirmary Hair and Beauty salon in Stafford, where she had been offered a part-time job, Mr Hodgson added.

“She loved having music playing in the salon, was great with clients and was a fantastic friend and supportive peer to the others in the group,” he said.

“There was no doubt that Sophie would have had an incredibly bright future in the beauty industry.”

Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones, 18, and Morgan Jones, 17, also died in the crash

Ms Bates was a back seat passenger in a Ford Ka when it came off the road and struck a tree just before midnight, Staffordshire Police said.

Her friend and fellow NGSC beauty therapy student Brooke Varley, from Newport, Shropshire, was also a back seat passenger and was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.

The 17-year-old has paid tribute to her three friends, describing Ms Bates as “the kindest person” and an “inspiration”.

Staffordshire Police said officers were supporting the families and that an investigation was ongoing.

The force has called for anyone with information on the crash to make contact.