Woman charged over ‘beautiful’ teen’s death in Wiltshire

Abbey Ridgway, 26, of Tanhouse, Skelmersdale, in Lancashire, will appear at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, March 24, charged with causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, after Rosa Taylor died after a crash. The death of Ms Taylor, from Upholland in Lancashire, followed a collision between a Hyundai i10 and a Scania Tipper HGV on the A4 at Corsham on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The two vehicles collided at the junction with the B3109 at around 1.30pm.

Rosa, a passenger in the car, was killed on impact. As reported at the time, two other occupants of the car, a female driver and a male passenger, were seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment. Rosa had been travelling to a performance at Corsham Library as part of a tour with The Beggars Belief Collective theatre group.

Ms Taylor was a student at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Sixth Form College and a talented performer who worked with multiple theatre companies, including the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre. Court documents from Monday, March 23, state that Ridgway had been the driver of the Hyundai i10, with the charge alleging she caused Rosa's death by driving "without due care and attention." Rosa Taylor (Image: GoFundMe)

Suggested reading: Following her death, Rosa's father Gareth Taylor led the tributes to a talented performer who was loved by many people. Rosa was described by family as a "theatre kid from birth" who lived and breathed performing arts.

He said: "Anyone who knew Rosa would agree she was the most beautiful person inside and out. "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 loving soul I've ever known."

Floral tributes on the A4 at Corsham (Image: Trevor Porter) A fundraiser to support Rosa's family has been launched by Pick 'N' Mix Parties, a children's entertainment group Rosa was part of. Those wishing to donate can do so via the group's GoFundMe page.[1]

Organiser Kelly Bryant-Cunningham said: "She performed for so many children of Liverpool during her time with Pick 'N' Mix, giving them the birthday they deserved, now it's 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.

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

References

^ via the group's GoFundMe page. (www.gofundme.com)