Solicitor and dog died in crash after visit to vet

Emily Thornton-Sandy, 30, and her dog Scout, died after a road crash on the way back from a vet appointment

A solicitor who died with her dog in a road crash on the way home from a veterinary appointment was an "intelligent, kind and caring soul", her family said in a tribute.

Emily Thornton-Sandy, 30, from Pontarddulais, Swansea, died after the crash on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on 5 November.

Her dog Scout died shortly after the collision, while she died in hospital six days later.

"Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give," her husband Stuart said in a statement released by South Wales Police.

"She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease," he added.

"Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants. Her passing has left a hole in our lives which can never be filled.

"I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her."

He went on to say that Scout was the "most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet" and he had not been able to grieve for her death as he should.

"She brought great happiness to both me and Emily and the world has lost so much joy."

Her parents John and Rhael said the loss of their only child "was devastating".

"She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Emily has always been our pride and joy and she achieved so much during her short life.

"She was an intelligent, kind and caring soul and she touched the lives of so many people both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten."

'Talented and dedicated'

Her employer, Thompsons Solicitors, said it was "deeply saddened by the tragic loss" of a "talented and dedicated lawyer".

Ms Thornton-Sandy was an asbestos lawyer representing clients from the firm's offices in Llanelli and Cardiff.

Thompsons said she "was recognised as an exceptional lawyer in a highly specialised field" who "worked tirelessly alongside the asbestos victim support groups in Wales".

Thompsons chief executive Clare Mellor said: "Her passing has affected us all, and we are united in mourning a remarkable young lawyer who left an indelible mark on our firm and the people she helped."

She said her "natural empathy and dedication to those affected by asbestos-related illnesses, coupled with the fact she was a technically gifted and highly able lawyer, made her an invaluable part of our team".