The 20-year-old Nottingham Trent student has died after a crash, her family have revealed.
The devastated family of the student, Hope Starsmore, revealed a statement through police to say she had died eight days after a head-on collision.
The crash, which happened near Skegness, had left Hope seriously injured, and she had been fighting for her life for more than a week.
Now, in a statement issued tonight through Lincolnshire Police, her parents have revealed she died by their side in hospital.
“After eight days of fighting, Hope has sadly died from her injuries in hospital, with her parents at her side,” it said.
“She will be missed dearly and was loved by so many.
“Rest in peace, baby girl.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support and ask that our privacy is respected at this time to allow us to grieve as a family.”
The crash happened at around 8.15am on Wednesday, October 7 in Burgh le Marsh, about four miles outside Skegness.
She had been travelling from her family home in Northamptonshire to Nottingham Trent University when she was involved in the crash.
Her brother and her partner, who were in the Toyota Yaris car with her, sustained minor injuries in the collision.
Hope, originally from Northamptonshire, was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary after the crash, where she was placed into a medically-induced coma.
She had suffered serious injuries such as broken arms, legs, pelvis and internal bleeding, the report says.
A spokesperson for NTU, the university where Hope was studying, said: “We were extremely saddened to have learned of the death of student Hope Starsmore and our thoughts go out to her family and friends.
“We would urge any NTU students who are affected by this news to contact the university’s student support services so that the necessary support can be put in place.”
A 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit to do so after the crash and later released under investigation.
More than 260 comments have so far been posted on Lincolnshire Police’s Facebook page since news of her death was revealed.
Christine Kirkby said: “RIP, beautiful young lady. Condolences to the loved ones left behind.”
Ann-marie Smith said: “Thoughts are with family and friends of Hope. Rest in peace, beautiful angel.”
Tina Carter said: “Fly high, beautiful angel.”
And Teresa Bunn summed up the feelings of many when she said: “My heartfelt sympathy to Hope’s family.”
Lincolnshire Police are still appealing for information about the crash.
A spokesperson said after the collision: “We are appealing for anyone who may have seen this collision and in particular a van which we believe was travelling behind a Toyota truck which was indicating right to turn in to the layby on Skegness Road around the time of the collision.
“We would also appeal for anyone with dashcam footage to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident 62 of October 7.
By Olimpia Zagnat
Photo credits: Lincolnshire Police, Geograph (modified)