THE heartbroken mum of a 26-year-old killed in a horror smash yesterday has today paid tribute to her “baby girl”.
Mum-of-two Gracie Estep, 26, was a passenger in her friend’s car when they collided with two other vehicles – with Gracie killed instantly.
And today her mum Sandra Estep paid tribute – sharing a string of broken hearts on social media with the message “our baby girl is in heaven”.
In a tribute, the family said: “Grace was the most loving, caring mother to our two beautiful grandbabies, Alfie and Ruby, and was also the most wonderful daughter, who we truly cherished.
“The light in our universe has been extinguished. May you rest your beautiful soul in peace, love mummy and your King.”
Emergency services had rushed to St Albans Road in Hemel Hempstead just before 5pm yesterday after the horror three car smash between the white Fiat 500 Gracie was in, along with a silver BMW and a white Toyota car.
Gracie’s pal, who was driving the Fiat 500, was seriously injured in the smash and remains in hospital.
The drivers of the other two vehicles were also hurt.
Hundreds of friends and family members have today paid tribute to Gracie, while others left flowers and sympathy cards at the crash scene.
One friend wrote: “I can’t believe the news…I’m absolutely devastated.
“Honestly one of the sweetest, bubbliest people I’ve ever known with such a great character!’
“So beautiful and too young! Gracie Estep you are known and loved by so many and words can describe how much you will be missed!
“My heart goes out to your family and your beautiful children.
“Rest in sweet paradise you beautiful angel! Love you always babe.”
Another said: “Think I speak for the whole of Watford this morning.. absolutely devastated to hear Gracie Estep has passed away.”
“My heart goes out to your mum and dad & your two beautiful children! Shine bright! RIP beautiful girl!”
Rest in sweet paradise you beautiful angel! Love you always babe
Friend of Gracie
Today paint was sprayed on the pavement at the roadside that read: “RIP Gracie. We love you so much.”
Tributes also filled Gracie’s mum’s Facebook page, with one friend writing: “When I think of Gracie I think of young, beautiful, vibrant, hilarious, bubbly, balsy, kind, stunning, loyal, loving fabulous daughter/mummy.
“Heaven really has gained an angel. My heart breaks for you both and your family xxx”.
Sergeant Tom Daly, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family of the young woman who sadly lost her life, and we are conducting extensive enquiries to determine the circumstances of the collision.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken with police.
“Equally, if you have a working dash cam fitted to your vehicle and you were travelling along St Albans Road at the time of the incident, we would like to hear from you.
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A spokesperson for East Ambulance Service said: “We sent four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer and two Essex and Herts Air Ambulance helicopters.
“Crews treated three patients at the scene and transported two to hospital for further assessment and care.
“Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, a third patient died at the scene.”
