Family's tribute to University of Leeds student killed in car crash near Otley

Juliana Keshishian had recently completed her degree and hoped to work for humanitarian causes before the tragedy.

She was killed following a road traffic accident after returning from a day out in the Yorkshire countryside on June 18.

She was the rear passenger in a blue Vauxhall Corsa which left the road and crashed on the B6451 near Stainburn Forest, north of Otley, shortly after 6pm.

In a statement, Ms Keshishian's parents said their daughter "had her whole life to look forward to" and that they’ve been left with a “permanent hole” in their lives.

They said: “We are all devastated and still in shock from the tragedy that took away our beloved daughter.

“She had just successfully completed her degree and as a 22-year-old woman, had her whole life to look forward to.

“Juliana’s ambition was to embark upon a career in International Relations or work in humanitarian capacity for an NGO.

“Sadly she was lost to us on the 18 June following a road traffic accident after returning from a day out in the local countryside, which she adored.

“She will always be remembered as the bubbly gregarious person she was.

"Always smiling, always willing to help in any way she could her fellow students and the wider community.

“She was a volunteer at the (Leeds) University’s student help line.

"She spent her last summer-break helping kids learn English.”

Ms Keshishian, who was from Watford, was "an accomplished pianist and flautist" and had spent a recent summer break from her studies as a volunteer at a refugee camp in Greece.

They added: “Juliana achieved more in her short life than many do in their whole lives.

“She was known for her larger than life laugh and would always bring joy and happiness whenever she entered a room.

“She also had a cheeky side and wanted to get the best of what life had to offer, often seeing the funnier side of things, even when nobody else around would get it.

“She will be sorely missed and we will have a permanent hole in our lives which can never be filled.

“She is resting in peace now, asleep, not feeling or seeing anything.

"But we look forward to the day when we will see her once more, fully restored, rising up to heaven on that glorious day of Jesus’s return."

They added: “Rest in peace, beloved Juliana.”

Professor Emma Cayley, Head of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at the University of Leeds, said: “Juliana was a hugely talented and much-loved final year student of Middle Eastern Studies in our School.

"Her warm personality, thoughtful and considerate nature, passion for studying the Middle East, and her dedication to her work, are just a few of the many fine qualities she brought with her to the University community.

“Juliana will be very deeply missed by all of those who had the privilege of coming into contact, teaching, or studying with her. At this sad and distressing time, we look back with gratitude for having been able to share many experiences with her in the past four years.

“Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends on behalf of all of us here at the University.”

Police are appealing for any information from anyone who saw the vehicle prior to the collision, and have asked for people to submit their dashcam footage.

The driver of the blue Corsa, a 23-year-old man from Liverpool, was taken to hospital with minor injuries and is now assisting the police investigation.

The front seat passenger of the car, a 24-year-old woman from Teddington, London, is recovering in hospital after suffering minor injuries, according to North Yorkshire Police.

If you have any information call 101, press option 2 and ask to speak to Traffic Sergeant Adam Elliott or Traffic Constable Gemma Brett or email [email protected] or [email protected]

Quote reference number 12200103118 when passing on any information.