The tragic loss of a teenager killed as she walked along the A9 on Tuesday night will leave a “huge void” in the lives of her family, her mother has said.
Elli Williams (16) died after being hit by a number of vehicles on the dual carriageway near her home town of Auchterarder.
Elli, from Montrose Road, was the eldest of four children her youngest sister, Eva, was born on December 30 and was a former pupil at the Community School of Auchterarder.
She went on to study at Morrison’s Academy in Crieff and worked part-time at Indulge restaurant in Auchterarder’s High Street.
Her mother, Cara-Lee, a teacher at Perth High School, said, “The whole family is absolutely distraught and devastated. As a family we are trying to come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful daughter and sister.
“She will be a huge void in not only my life but that of her dad Paul, her brother Joss and her sisters Ines and Eva.”
She added, “We would like to thank everyone for their messages of support at this very sad time.”
Morrison’s rector and principal Simon Pengelley said, “Elli joined S5 at Morrison’s Academy in October 2010 having previously being educated at the Community School of Auchterarder.
“She settled in surprisingly quickly, had gathered about her a wide circle of friends, was well-liked in the school community and was making good progress in her academic studies.”
He added, “We are all shocked and profoundly saddened by her tragic and untimely death. A delightful, kindly and ebullient girl has been torn from our midst.
“Our thoughts are with Elli’s family, for whom this must be the most devastating news. They have our heartfelt sympathy in this most bleak of times.”‘Devastated’Community school head teacher Barbara Boyd said, “The whole school, staff and pupils are devastated by this news.
“Elli was a credit to her family and the school. She will be sadly missed by us all. Our thoughts are with the family at this time.”
Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning convener, Councillor Liz Grant, said pupils and staff are being supported by the educational psychology team and the school chaplain.
Meanwhile, the police investigation into the tragedy, which caused the A9 south of Perth to be closed for most of Wednesday, continues.
Superintendent Tony Beveridge, deputy divisional commander, said, “We have had an excellent response from members of the public to appeals for information.
“The inquiry into Elli’s death is still ongoing and we are continuing to piece together her last known movements and establishing why she was on the carriageway.”
He added, “News of Elli’s death has had a significant impact on the local community, particularly young people who knew her, some of whom were in her company a short time before the tragic incident took place.
“We are working closely with the local schools and local authority to ensure that the right support mechanisms are in place.
“A police family liaison officer continues to keep Elli’s family up to date with our inquiries.”
It is thought police are yet to trace the first vehicle in collision with Elli, as it did not stop. Four other vehicles that struck her in quick succession halted and their drivers were spoken to.