‘Shining star’ LIPA student, 19, dies after horror crash involving lorry

Rosa was described as a "real life princess" after she was killed travelling to a theatre performance

09:31, 29 Jul 2025Updated 10:38, 29 Jul 2025

A student who was a "shining star" died after the car she was in was involved in a crash with a lorry on her way to a theatre performance. LIPA[1] Sixth Form student Rosa Taylor was travelling to a performance in Corsham, Wiltshire, when the crash happened on the A4 Bath Road at around 1.30pm on Thursday, July 24.

Wiltshire Police said the Hyundai i10 was in a collision with a Scania Tipper HGV, with Rosa, travelling as a passenger in the car, being pronounced dead at the scene. The female driver and male passenger in the car suffered serious injuries and were rushed to hospital.

Gareth Taylor has now paid tribute to his 19-year-old daughter from Upholland, Lancashire. "Anyone who knew Rosa would agree that she was the most beautiful person inside and out," Gareth said.

"She was the very definition of a spirit that shines brightly and dies young, loved by anyone who met her.

"She was at once the most talented, most beautiful, and most loving soul I've ever known."

Describing her as a "shining star", Rosa was a "natural born performer who lived for the stage" and performed with the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre.

In July this year, she went on tour as the lead in the Beggars Belief Collective production of Scrumptious! - with her on her way to the next performance at Corsham Library when she was killed.

She was due to start at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London in September after completing her course at LIPA.

Alongside her performing, Rosa worked as an entertainer with PICK'N'MIX Parties in Liverpool where she performed at children's parties as well as serving guests at Briar's Hall Hotel in Ormskirk[2].

A GoFundMe crowdfunding page has since been created by Kelly Bryant-Cunningham at PICK'N'MIX Parties to help ease the burden on Rosa's family. Kelly wrote: "Rosa tragically passed away on Thursday 24th July in a RTC out of our city - on her way to doing what she does best - performing.

"A gift she had that we were all so lucky to have witnessed.

She performed for so many children of Liverpool during her time with PICK'N'MIX, giving them the birthday they deserved and now its our turn to do it for our Rosa.

"Rosa was a shining star, so full of life, love and talent. A real life princess who had a passion for dancing, singing and acting. She will forever be part of our PICK'N'MIX family.

"Rosa - your laughter, your kindness and your spirit will stay with us forever.

Forever loved, forever cherished, forever 19."

To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.[3]

A Wiltshere Police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in Corsham yesterday (24/07) in which a 19-year-old woman sadly died. At about 1.30pm a Hyundai i10 was in collision with a Scania Tipper HGV on the A4 Bath Road at the junction with the B3109.

"A female passenger in the car was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.

"The female driver and male passenger in the car sustained serious injuries and are currently being treated in hospital.

The driver of the HGV was uninjured.

"Any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 quoting log 54250100571.

Alternatively you can contact the team directly by emailing [email protected][4]."

References

1. ^ LIPA (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Ormskirk (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here. (www.gofundme.com)
4. ^ [email protected] (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)