Tributes paid to 'beautiful soul' Taylor from Edinburgh who died in horror crash on A19

The BMW was being pursued by police when it collided with a grey Volkswagen Sharan which was travelling in the right direction on the northbound carriageway of the major road at around 3am.

Emergency services attended, but despite paramedics’ efforts to save her life, Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paying tribute to the 24-year-old, who ran her own company Made by Taylor Aesthetics, her family said: “Taylor was deeply loved and will be missed more than words can ever express.

“Her kindness, laughter, and beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and her memory will live on in all of us.

“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion as we grieve. We are grateful for the overwhelming support and kindness shown to our family.”

Her tragic death has sparked an outpouring of love and tributes from her friends and family who remembered the keen horse rider as a ‘beautiful soul’ who was ‘always thinking of others, always caring’.

In a touching tribute, Taylor’s cousin Abigail said: “My Taylor, I see a lifetime of memories. I see love that death can’t touch. You were first my cousin, but you will forever be my best friend.

“And no matter how many years pass, no matter how much the world changes, I will carry you with me in every memory, every milestone, every quiet moment when I miss you the most. I love you. Always have. Always will.”

Dee Flynn, who owns the Beau Vous Skin & Aesthetics in Edinburgh’s Gorgie Road and worked with Taylor, also paid tribute to her close friend of four years.

She said: “I feel so blessed to have ever met you. You will never truly know how much your weekly phone calls meant to me — checking in on my mental health, making sure I was okay. That was just who you were… always thinking of others, always caring.

“I’m going to miss our FaceTime chats, your laugh, your dancing and your little tricks. You brought so much light into my life and into the salon. Everyone’s heart is broken.

“Dance with the angels, beautiful girl. You will be missed more than words can ever say.”

Dee also announced plans to hold a fundraising day at the salon in Taylor’s memory, which she said will give people the chance ‘to come together, remember Taylor and celebrate her beautiful life’.

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Northumbria Police have asked witnesses or anyone with information to come forward to assist their investigation into the crash, which left a man in his 20s who was also travelling as a passenger in the BMW fighting for his life in hospital and the male driver of the Volkswagen with non-serious injuries.

The driver of the BMW, Kane Farragher, of Birkenhead, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving while disqualified and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The force also confirmed it has referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Sergeant Greg Huntley, of Northumbria Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “Our thoughts firmly remain with all of Taylor’s loved ones as they process their devastating loss.

“We would echo their plea and ask they’re given privacy as they come to terms with Taylor’s passing, and we will continue to offer them our support.

“Our investigation into the collision is very much ongoing, with a man now charged in connection with the incident.

“Given this, we would please ask the public to refrain from any speculation both in the community and online that could have a negative impact on legal proceedings at court. We’d thank the public for their continued support and would urge any further witnesses to get in touch.”

Anyone with information or footage can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, use the live chat and report forms on its website or call 101 quoting reference NP-20260301-0122.