Tributes to Mia Craen, 18, who died in car crash near Horsham

Mia Craen's Fiat 500 crashed into a tree in Southwater, near Horsham, on Saturday afternoon.

The 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her mother Michelle has now issued an emotional statement, celebrating her daughter's life.

She said: "Mia was a bright, shining star. Everyone who met her, even if they didn’t know her, loved her.

"She was constantly smiling, always positive and brought peace to everyone. She had an amazing zest for life and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was truly unique."

“...Her aspirations were to try her best, and to do everything with boundless optimism and positivity.

“Mia leaves behind myself, her dad Peter, and siblings Finlay and Jude. She has family all over the world.

“Mia’s zest for life makes me think I should get a band with ‘what would Mia do’ (WWMD), as she grabbed life with both hands. She never did anything half-heartedly. We know that getting used to Mia not being around is going to be hard.”

Tributes have been paid to 18-year-old Mia Craen who died in a car crash near Horsham

Following her death, hundreds of people took to social media to share tributes to Mia, alongside messages of support to her family.

Her most recent Instagram post has been flooded with hundreds of comments, each paying their respects to the Horsham teen.

• READ MORE: Tributes to 'bright and unique girl' who died in tragic car crash

Her mother Michelle said: "We have been amazed by the amount of people who have contacted us about Mia. We want to thank them all for their lovely words.

"We haven’t been able to thank everyone. We’d also like to say thank you to the flowers, cards and offers of food, and to our church, Latitude, for their support and organisation of meals."

Tributes have been paid to 18-year-old Mia Craen who died in a car crash near Horsham

Mia, who was born in Poole but spent most of her life in Horsham, previously worked at the McDonald's restaurant in Buck Barn.

But her mum said she was "very excited" to be starting an apprenticeship with Horsham-based business Eurovia - a company which delivers specialist highway services.

Outside of work, Mia was a keen sportswoman. She was a member of Horsham Triathlon Club, Atlantis Swimming Club and played for Sparrows Football Club when she was aged six to eight.

"Mia went to Greenway Academy, Millais and Collyer’s, and also played football for Millais School," her mum said.

"She was a brilliant runner and enjoyed cycling."

Tributes have been paid to 18-year-old Mia Craen who died in a car crash near Horsham

Mia also played as the goalkeeper for Horsham Hockey Club and excelled in the role.

"She was destined for great things," her mum said.

"She won player of the season twice, despite only playing for them for two seasons. She also played for Sussex."

• READ MORE: Teenager dies in Worthing Road, Southwater, car crash

Following the news of her untimely death, Horsham Hockey Club issued a tribute to Mia.

It read: "The club is very sorry to hear of the loss of Mia Craen who sadly died on January 30, 2021, in a tragic accident.

Tributes have been paid to 18-year-old Mia Craen who died in a car crash near Horsham

"Such a bright and friendly girl, nice to everyone, happy to help anyone and now missed by everyone.

"With much love, you will be sorely missed. All your friends at Horsham Hockey Club."

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses as officers look to establish the circumstances surrounding Mia's death.

The collision happened on the B2237 Worthing Road in Southwater, near Horsham, at about 12.30pm on Saturday.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Anyone who saw a white Fiat 500 travelling in the area immediately before the collision – or anyone who captured what happened on dash cam – is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Sunningdale."