The family of a woman killed in a road crash have said she “made our world a better place with her lively spirit and brightened our lives with her laughter and quirky sense of humour”. Fenella Hawes, 20, died after being hit by a car on the A149 near Stalham. Another 16-year-old girl remains in hospital after suffering serious arm injuries in the crash just before 4.30pm on Sunday. Floral tributes laid at the scene of the crash on the A149 near Stalham – Credit: Simon Parkin A Lexus SUV did not stop after the collision but crashed into a lamppost and road sign a quarter of a mile down the road, near the town’s Tesco supermarket. The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. “Fenella will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her,” her family said in a statement. “Her love of the environment and nature was evident in her enjoyment of local walks in the woods, the beach and recently the lakes. “She was a successful student and had completed two years of Science at university and had a trip to Honduras, funded through a scholarship she had been awarded, planned for the future. “No words can express how her family and friends are feeling and we are touched by the messages we have received.” The fatal crash happened on the A149 near Stalham – Credit: Simon Parkin Floral tributes have been laid on the footpath alongside the A149 at a point between Stepping Stone Lane and Chapel Field Road midway between Stalham and AG Meale & Sons garden center and farm in Wayford. Her Vera’s Coffee Shop was not open to the public Monday with a sign saying it was “closed due to unforeseen circumstances.” A spokesman for the business said they would not comment further out of respect for the family. Locals have expressed their sadness at the tragedy which occurred on a straight stretch of road, which has a speed limit of 60mph.
Homeowner Diane Ferguson, 61, who lives near the crash site, said: “It’s absolutely shocking and so sad. My heart goes out to her parents and family. “It has already been felt by people in the city. Anyone who has children or grandchildren, like me, will feel it because we’ve all walked along this road or tried to get out at the intersection, so we know how dangerous it can be.”
A Lexus SUV crashed into a traffic light and sign near Tesco in Stalham – Credit: Simon Parkin Another resident of Stepping Stone Lane, who preferred not to be named, said: “It is absolutely tragic that a girl like this has died so young. “I can’t see how anyone could hit them on a straight stretch of road like this, but it’s a very dangerous path. “We will no longer walk when we go to Stalham because we just don’t feel safe anymore and we’ve lived here for over 40 years.” The A149 was closed for several hours while emergency services and accident scene investigators dealt with the two crash sites, which were about a quarter of a mile apart. When the car crashed, a cordon remained in place throughout Monday, blocking access to part of the footpath and a bus stop next to Tesco. The Old Market Road junction next to Tesco has become the scene of many accidents. Karl Bramble, who lives in Sutton Terrace, said: “It’s a real bottleneck and drivers get impatient and just pull out. There was another accident a few weeks ago which saw the ambulance land nearby.’ Police cordon in place blocking access to the A149 footpath and Stalham bus stop – Credit: Simon Parkin Police investigating Sunday’s crash are keen to hear from witnesses, drivers with dash cam footage and anyone who saw the silver Lexus SUV being driven or spotted the vehicle in the Stalham area before the crash. They are particularly keen to speak to a man and woman in a Land Rover Discovery who are believed to have stopped at the scene immediately after the collision. Anyone with information should contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting incident number 360 of Sunday 31 July 2022. They can also email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at [email protected]