Penkridge crash: 'kind hearted and thoughtful' teenage girl, 17, dies in Penkridge crash in Staffordshire

A third teenager who was killed in a tragic crash in Staffordshire has been named. Sophie Bates, 17, was a passenger in the back seat at the time of the collision in Penkridge.

Police had earlier named Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones, 18 and Morgan Jones, 17, and tributes were paid to them. Sophie’s family have hailed her as “full of fun”.

In a full statement, released through Staffordshire Police, the family added: “Our Princess Sophie, the best big sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to many, was so strong on the outside but truly so kind hearted and thoughtful inside. Full of fun and beyond witty. 

“We were so proud of the young adult Sophie was becoming, with the life plans she was putting in place. Excelling in college and her work placement, full of drive and ambition to have her own business. Sophie loved her friends and was enjoying embracing her teenage life and having the best time.

“Our darling girl Sophie, will be sorely missed and loved eternally. Forever in our hearts, 17…always.” 

Sophie, from Stafford, was sitting on the backseat of a Ford Ka when the single-vehicle collision happened on Cannock Road on Saturday, 25 May. Paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service took Sophie to hospital in a critical condition.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Sophie died in hospital on Tuesday, 28 May. Her family is being supported by specialist officers.

Dafydd and Morgan were in the front of the car, while Sophie and another teenage girl Brooke, also 17, were in the backseat. Brooke was taken to hospital by paramedics after the collision but has since been discharged and is recovering at home. 

In a brave tribute to her friends, Brooke said: “I wanted to write a tribute for my three friends Sophie, Morgan and Daf. I am so upset to have lost such amazing people from my life. Sophie was the kindest person who lived her life to the fullest. She is my inspiration to get better and do everything she didn’t get a chance to do. She will forever be in my heart.

“Morgan was one of the funniest people I know. He was always respectful, kind and sweet. He always looked out for me. Daf had a kind soul and loved his friends. I’m thinking of their families at this sad time and everyone who is affected by this tragic incident.”

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police added: “We’d like to thank everyone who has been helping us investigate the circumstances of the collision and to those who have left heartfelt messages to the families who’ve been affected by what happened.

“Officers are still keen to speak to people who saw the collision or those with any information about the car leading up to what happened. We were called just before midnight and arrived a short time later.”

Get in touch with the force by emailing [email protected], calling 101 quoting incident number 813 of 25 May, or by messaging them using Live Chat on the website.