Tribute to family of ‘shining star’ girl killed in truck crash

A family have paid heartfelt tribute to a teenage girl who died in a collision with a lorry, calling her “a star in every sense of the word”. Georgia Scarff, 16, died following the collision on the A14 in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, at around 1.30am on April 15.

She was preparing to sit her GCSEs before her death. Georgia was part of the Bury St Edmunds U14 hockey team that was crowned national champions in 2022 as a goalkeeper.

Georgia’s family asked Suffolk Police to pay tribute on their behalf: “We have been devastated by the loss of our beloved Georgia. Georgia was a star in every sense of the word, shining with the promise of a future full of remarkable achievement and profound impact.

“He was a keen sports person, excelling in hockey, tchoukball, fitness training and more recently rugby. She had achieved both the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze and Silver Awards and was already shortlisted for the Gold Award.

“Georgia was about to do her GCSEs and was expected to do well and go on with her A-levels. She had a questioning mind and a ready smile, a dry wit and a maturity beyond her years.

“Georgia had so much potential and a bright future. She was a loyal and generous friend and admired for her tenacity and courage. While she played down her successes, we were extremely proud of all of her accomplishments.

“We know how much she will be missed by all who knew her as a friend, peer, teammate, teacher or coach and most of all by her family.

“She was a bright star and we were blessed to have her for the short time we held her close, but we know she will always be with us in spirit.”

A formal inquest into Georgia’s death is due to take place at a later date.