The family of a ‘beautiful’ young woman who died after being run over outside a shopping centre have paid tribute to their ‘one in a million’ daughter.
Natasha Thorp was struck by a car in Sutton Coldfield near the Gracechurch Shopping Centre shortly before midnight on August 22.
The 21-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene following the horror late-night crash despite the efforts of medics.
Another woman who was mowed down suffered a leg injury.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
One suspect was released with no further action, while the other was bailed with conditions.
Ms Thorpe’s family have now paid tribute and thanked the public who stayed with her at the scene during her final moments.
‘To know Natasha was to know a life filled with love, laughter, and joy,’ they said.
Natasha Thorp was fatally struck by a car in Sutton Coldfield near the Gracechurch Shopping Centre shortly before midnight on August 22
The 21-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene outside the Gracechurch Shopping Centre (pictured) following the horror late-night crash despite the efforts of medics.
‘It was a privilege to know her as a part of our family or as a friend.
‘Going forward without her is so hard to imagine.
‘We would like to thank the emergency services who tried in vain to save her that night.
‘And we would also like to thank the wonderful people of Sutton Coldfield for their kind support, particularly those that stayed with, or came to help Natasha on that terrible night.
‘It’s very important to our family to know that she wasn’t alone at the end.
‘You were one in a million Tasha and you will never be forgotten.
‘Night Tash, love you.’
A heartbreaking 25ft long shrine featuring hundreds of tributes and flowers has since appeared at the scene outside the West Midlands shopping centre.
One tribute from her uncle and aunt, read: ‘To our darling Tish, we are broken. You will be with us forever.’
‘Beautiful inside and out. You will never be forgotten,’ one note said.
Another read: ‘My beautiful Tash, you were the best friend I could have ever wished for.
‘You were so funny, caring and crazy. I’m so incredibly grateful for our time together. You changed my life.
‘I will never ever forget you. I love you more than you’ll ever know.’
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: ‘Specially trained officers are continuing to support her family, and our thoughts remain with her loved ones and everyone who knew her.
‘Our investigation is still continuing and a man remains on bail with strict conditions.
‘We would ask anyone with any information and footage who hasn’t come forward yet, and may have seen a silver Toyota Corolla immediately before the collision, to speak to us and make a report.’
