A FAMILY has paid tribute to their ‘princess’ after she died in a crash.

Laionie Kennard, 18 and from Verwood, was a passenger in a blue BMW 1 Series on Hurn Road between Ringwood and Matchams, shortly after 9.30pm on Saturday, September 16.

It was reported that the car left the road and sustained extensive damage.

Emergency services attended and very sadly Laionie was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paying tribute to Laionie, her family said: “Laionie was our princess. She was the most kind, caring daughter and sister we could ever have wished for.

“Her smile would light up a room, and she was loved by so many. I cannot explain in words just how much she is going to be missed.

“We would like to thank everyone for their kind and generous donations at this unbelievably hard time, our girl will have the send off she deserves. We will love you forever the brightest star in the sky, our Laionie.”

The family have set up a fundraiser which has raised more than £18,000 for the family. To donate, search for ‘Our angel Laionie Kennard’ on GoFundMe.

The three other occupants of the car involved in the crash were taken to hospital.

One is believed to have sustained serious injuries with the other two sustaining minor injuries.

Two men and a woman, all 18, were arrested on suspicion of driving offences.

They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Police sergeant Mike Gatfield, of the roads policing team, said: “The thoughts of the investigation team and everyone at Dorset Police remain with the family and friends of Laionie Kennard.

“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and I am appealing to any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, to please come forward.

“We would ask that there is no speculation online about this very sad incident while officers continue their detailed enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230147318. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.