Close friends of a tragic Auchterarder teenager knocked down and killed on the A9 have paid tribute to a “bubbly girl” who dreamed of being a fashion designer.
Elli Williams (16) died on Tuesday night after being hit by a number of vehicles while walking on the southbound dual carriageway that runs alongside the town.
She had become separated from her friends.
Emergency services raced to the scene shortly after 10pm but the Morrison’s Academy pupil was pronounced dead on arrival.
Long-term pal Andrew Baxter said the 16-year-old had been celebrating after the birth of her new baby sister.
With tears in his eyes, Andrew (16), who grew up with Elli, said he was “completely devastated”.
“She was the life and soul of our group of mates, everyone loved her,” he told The Courier.
“I heard about the accident early in the morning but didn’t believe it had happened we’re all in absolute shock.
“Elli was in fifth year at Morrison’s but hoped to study fashion at college or university when she left… It’s awful to think her dreams won’t come true.”RespectsAndrew and friend Cameron Gibson walked to the side of the road to leave flowers and pay their final respects.
The simple words “gone but not forgotten” could be clearly seen on an accompanying card.
Cameron (16) added, “She was a bubbly, playful girl who never had a bad word to say about anyone she will be sorely missed.”
Elli’s parents, who live in Auchterarder, were too upset to comment on their loss.
Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham spoke of her shock at the death of such a young girl.
She described the accident as “horrific” and said it had stunned the whole community.
Ms Cunningham urged drivers to be patient to allow accident investigators to complete their work.
“I know that the closure of the A9 as police carry out their investigations will be causing a great deal of inconvenience to motorists, but I hope that everyone can be very patient and appreciate the importance of the job that the police are carrying out,” she said.
Local councillor Ann Gaunt said her thoughts were with the teenager’s family and friends.
“It is absolutely tragic, I really feel for the relatives, family and friends,” she said.
“There are quite a lot of young people here and it will be very upsetting for them to see one of their own lost in this way.”
Police remained at the accident site late into the afternoon carrying out investigation work.EvidenceOfficers, led by road policing chief, Inspector Grant Edward, combed the roadway and verge for evidence.
They are also in the process of speaking to a number of friends who were close by at the time.
Superintendent Tony Beveridge, deputy divisional commander, urged anyone who travelled on the A9 on Tuesday night or who was in the area around 10pm to contact the police.
He said, “This has been a tragic incident involving a 16-year-old schoolgirl and our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.
“We have already had a number of drivers come forward reporting that they may have hit the girl as she lay on the carriageway.
“It would have been dark at the time of the incident and it’s possible that some drivers may even have thought that they have hit an animal.
“We have a full investigation team working in the area in a bid to establish what happened.
“If anyone can assist us with our inquiries, I would urge them to get in touch with us on 0300 111 2222.”
Residents of Mill Lade Court, which overlooks the A9, said they were alerted to the accident after seeing blue flashing lights.
Mary Stockton said, “I knew it was something serious when the police closed the road but I didn’t expect it to be such a tragedy.
“We’ve seen a few accidents on the road but all road traffic collisions, never a pedestrian being hit.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said, “She was a well-known local girl. The whole community is stunned.”