Tributes paid to fatal drug-drive crash victim Ella Cooper (37) from Ringwood after motorist Daniel Samways is jailed for 16 months

TRIBUTES have been paid by the family of a 37-year-old Ringwood woman who was killed in a road accident, after the drug-driver responsible was jailed.

Ella Cooper died at Southampton General Hospital on 7th February 2020, six days after a three-vehicle collision on the B3081 in the area of the Handley Cross roundabout near Sixpenny Handley.

After the sentencing, Ella’s family said: "Words cannot describe the pain and loss we all feel. A giant void has been left in our hearts and in our lives, never to be filled until we meet again."

The incident was between her Volkswagen Up, an Audi A3, and an Isuzu D-Max pick-up driven by Daniel Samways (37), of Dean Lane in Sixpenny Handley.

He was taken to Salisbury Hospital for treatment to injuries and while in hospital, a specimen of his blood was taken for analysis and found to contain traces of cocaine over the legal limit.

Samways was charged with a drug-driving offence and causing death by careless driving, which he admitted at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday in last week.

He has now been jailed for 16 months and banned from driving for two years.

The statement by Ella's family added: "Ella, we're so proud of everything you achieved in your life – a life which was cut too short. Your many travels and adventures showed us all how to enjoy life.

"Completing your MBA whilst working full time as head of Vitality Care reminded us all how tough and hard working you always were.

"We'll miss your generosity. Generous with your time, with your smile and with everything you had. All who knew you were swept up in the abundant love of family and life you radiated.

"You were more than just a sister, a friend, a daughter, a fiancé, an aunt, you were the very best to all of us.

"We love you Ella and the world is a little bit dimmer without you to brighten it."

Sgt Nikki Burt, from Dorset Police’s traffic unit, said: "This case is another sad demonstration of the truly awful consequences of someone getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs.

"We are committed to doing all we can to take action against people who put lives at risk by driving on Dorset’s roads while under the influence of drink or drugs."