Tidworth car crash: Teen's death 'absolutely tragic'

The family of Private Courtney Jennings said they were "very proud" of her achievements

The family of a teenager killed in a crash with her fiancé have said they are "heartbroken by the loss".

Private Courtney Jennings, 18, died after the car she was in hit a tree on Perham Down Road in Tidworth, Wiltshire, at 22:00 BST on 29 October.

She was serving with the Adjutant General's Corp attached to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Her family said she had an "infectious laugh" and had made everyone proud following her dreams in the army.

Her partner 19-year-old Lance Corporal Jack Paolucci, from Birmingham, also died at the scene. He was serving with 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

In a statement, her family, from Staffordshire, said she "lost her life far too soon".

'Brightest smile'

"No parent should ever find themselves in this situation, but through all our heartache we have the memories of our daughter that will forever keep our hearts bright," they said.

"She has the brightest smile and infectious laugh. She was selfless with the kindest heart and was extremely close to her family."

Courtney left home at 16 to join Harrogate Foundation college to "achieve her dreams" of joining the army.

"It is absolutely tragic, and we will forever miss our angel," they added.

Two passengers remain in hospital. One, a 27-year-old man, is in a stable but critical condition.

The other two passengers in the Renault Clio were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

An investigation into how the collision happened is ongoing.