Tributes to young woman killed in farm machinery accident

The family of a young woman who was killed in a farm machinery accident have paid tribute to their “beloved sister and daughter”.

Lauren Scott, 20, from Kenton, near Exeter, died following an accident at Springfield Farm, near Dawlish, Devon, on Saturday, 4 March.

Emergency services were called to the farm at 1.35pm that day. Miss Scott was taken by ambulance to hospital, but she could not be saved.

See also: Shock rise in farm deaths in February

Devon and Cornwall Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have launched a joint investigation into the incident.

In a statement released by police, her family said: “On Saturday, 4 March 2017 our dearest daughter Lauren Scott, aged just 20, was involved in a farming accident and as a result of her injuries Lauren left us later that afternoon.

“The family would like to send out their greatest gratitude for all the heartfelt condolences and warming messages of love and support they have received in recent days, but now wish for their privacy to be respected to allow us to come to terms with the catastrophic loss of our beloved sister and daughter.

“Lauren – the sun may set upon your time with us, but your memory will live on.”

‘Tragic accident’

Det Insp Steve Davies, investigating for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “This is a tragic incident that is being treated as a work-related incident. The Health and Safety Executive are working jointly with us on our enquiries.

“Our thoughts are with Lauren’s family and friends at this sad time.”

An inquest was opened and adjourned into Miss Scott’s death earlier this week. The cause of her death was stated as “multiple injuries”.

Miss Scott was a former student at Bicton College and she previously attended Coombeshead Academy in Newton Abbot.

She also had a passion for horses and she worked at Newton Abbott Racecourse, where she was very popular.

Her former classmate and X-Factor star Luke Friend was among those paying tribute to her.

He wrote on Facebook: “She was such a wonderful and bubbly person at school and I still have a group graduation photo of me and her with our friends.

“Young without a care in the world and she was so supportive with whatever passion people wanted to accomplish in their lives. Thoughts go out to all those close to her and her family.”