Cardiff University student, 20, killed in Birmingham crash while walking dog
Lucy Atkins and family dog Simba died after a collision in Quinton on Monday. Her parents and brother said she "brought joy and fun".
Friday 28 June 2024 15:00, UK
A 20-year-old student has died in a crash in Birmingham while walking her dog.
Lucy Atkins died after being hit by a car on West Boulevard, Quinton, on Monday.
Simba, the family's Lakeland Terrier, was also killed in the collision.
Ms Atkins's parents and brother said she "brought joy and fun into the lives of all she met".
"She was a force of nature, who lived life to the full," they said.
She had just finished her first year at Cardiff University and was "looking forward to sharing a house with her friends for her second year", her family added.
'Her smile was constant'
Dean and head of Cardiff Business School, Professor Rachel Ashworth said staff and students were "feeling devastated".
"Lucy was an energetic, engaged and talented student, who had such a passion for learning," added Professor Ashworth. "She was always surrounded by friends and her smile was constant.
"We are heartbroken but incredibly thankful that Lucy chose Cardiff and brought such positivity, kindness and light to our business school.
"Our thoughts are with Lucy's family, her classmates and her friends at this most challenging of times."
Family thanks
The family have thanked passers-by and the emergency services who helped Ms Atkins.
"We want to thank all those people who tried to save them, both passers-by and members of the emergency services, and all those who have left tributes at the scene and sent messages of condolence," her family added.
They have asked for privacy and time to grieve.
The collision happened just before 8.45am on 24 June.
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Ms Atkins was on foot and sustained "serious injuries" in the incident and died a short time later, West Midlands Police said.
The force added that the driver remained at the scene and is helping with its inquiries.
Officers have asked anyone who was travelling in the area between Barnes Hill and Quinton Road West at the time of the incident, and has dash cam footage, to get in touch.