Tributes paid to “bubbly” mum killed in Cirencester crash (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Tributes paid to “bubbly” mum Karen Hartshorn killed in Cirencester crash

9:43am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News By Ian Craig

TRIBUTES have been paid to a “bubbly, lovely” mother-of-one who was killed in a car crash on Boxing Day.

Karen Hartshorn of Field Close, South Cerney died after the blue Citroen Saxo she was driving collided with a grey Citroen Belingo on the A419 outside the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester just after 11am.

When paramedics from Great Western Ambulance Service arrived at the scene the 50-year-old was trapped in her car and unconscious.

She suffered a cardiac arrest at the scene and was airlifted to Bristol’s Frenchay Hospital, but later died.

Friend Mandy Ranford told the Standard Karen – who worked at Tesco in Kingsmeadow, Cirencester and was also known by her maiden name of Lindsell – spent most of her time with friends in Cirencester rather than her home of South Cerney.

“She could talk for England, but she never had a bad word to say about anybody,” she said.

Her 10-year-old daughter Katie is thought to be staying with her father.

Another friend – who asked not be named – described Karen as “very lovely”.

“She was absolutely fantastic,” she said. “She was such a bubbly character and loved by everybody.”

A card left at the scene of her death said: “Karen, may the angels wrap their wings around you and guide you to the light. Shine Bright. Love always. Kelly and Rach. Josh, Kyle, Katie, Ollie, Lotty.”

The driver of the Belingo, a 55-year-old man from Stroud, was taken to Gloucester Royal Hospital and his female passenger was taken to Cirencester Hospital, both with minor injuries.

The road was closed for around four hours while investigations were carried out.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Gloucestershire police on 101 quoting incident number 93 of December 26.