Teenage girl dies as umbrella knocks her into road

Grace Dyson, 18, from Holmfirth, slipped from the pavement and into the path of a forthcoming car in the accident on Friday.

She died at the scene in Thongsbridge where friends and family have since left touching tributes on the roadside in memory of a young woman, remembered as “always happy and smiling.”

Police said Grace was walking along Springwood Road at around 6.15pm on Friday, when she apparently slipped on the pavement and fell into the road.

She fell into the path of an incoming Nissan Cabstar tipper van.

She had been walking to a fish and chip shop with Jason Booth, 20, when she was fatally struck by the passing van.

The pair had left their home nearby to go and collect dinner for the family on Friday night.

It was raining so put Mr Booth put the umbrella up but the metal end got stuck in the wall alongside the pavement.

As he tried to free it, he pushed Grace out into the road.

A nurse stopped at the scene and performed CPR on Miss Dyson.

Ms Dyson, an office administration student at a college in Huddersfield, became engaged to Jason last Christmas.

A sea of tributes can be seen at the scene where Grace died, where friends and family have left flowers, teddies, candles and heartfelt messages in her memory.

A heartfelt message from Grace’s parents reads: “In memory of Grace Dyson.

“Our darling daughter and cherished big sister.

“Our our love, every last ounce. Rest in peace XXXXX.”

A note left by Jason among a bouquet of red flowers for Grace, says: “Beautiful Gracey.

“You made me the proudest and luckiest man to have ever lived.

“You have given me so much happiness, and I will never be able to thank you enough for that.

“We planned our entire life together, giving each other so much to look forward to in the future.

“I’ll make sure I complete our dreams for us, we will always be together along the path of achieving our mad dreams.

“RIP my perfect fiancee. I love you so much, Jason xxxxxxxxx.”

And another note left by a friend on the roadside, reads: “RIP Gracey.

“We will never forget you. You’ll always be in my heart.

I’ll never forget your beautiful smile and giggles. Keep smiling gorgeous, love you always, Kate x.”

A police investigation is now underway and officers are urging witnesses to the tragedy to come forward.

Det Sgt Carole Greaves, of West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team, said it was important they spoke to people with information.

She said: “As part of our enquiries we are keen to speak to anyone who either witnessed the collision itself or who believes they saw the vehicle or

pedestrian involved immediately prior to the collision.

“Any information should be passed to myself in the Major Collision Enquiry Team via 101.”