The family of a teenage dancer who died in a fireball after her car hit a deer today said she was “a true star”.
Daniela Ruggiero, 18, was travelling with a female friend when the animal ran in front of the car.
As she fought to control her yellow Citroen C1 it veered across the road, struck a Volvo and burst into flames, leaving Daniela and her 17-year-old friend trapped.
The identity of the second girl has yet to be released because not all of her relatives have been informed.
Daniela, from Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, had been training to be a dance teacher.
In a statement released today, her family said: “Daniela was a very special and much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.
“She will be greatly missed by everyone who was touched by her greatness. She was born to dance, and is now dancing with the angels. A true star in our lives.”
Friends also paid tribute to the crash victim.
Bethany Trower said: “RIP to my beautiful, talented best friend who passed away and will be missed by so many. Love you forever Stallion.”
Victoria Sheffield, 19, said: “So proud to have known and danced with such a talented beautiful girl who will never be forgotten. RIP.”
The dead girls were driving on the A10 in Hertfordshire at 7.45am yesterday on the northbound carriageway between Ware and the A120 Puckeridge exit.
The Volvo driver tried to free the girls from the burning wreckage and was taken to hospital with a leg injury.
Daniela’s 15-year-old sister was stuck in traffic behind the accident on her way to school. Hertfordshire police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
