Teen Girl Dies Two Weeks After Police Pursuit Crash in Bolton

A 17-year-old girl has died two weeks after suffering critical injuries in a car crash that followed a police pursuit in Bolton.

Erica De Sousa Correia died in hospital after being seriously injured in the collision on Walker Fold Road on May 5, according to Greater Manchester Police.

Erica had been a passenger in a vehicle that came off the road while being pursued by police officers.

Her devastated family described her as “the baby of our very close family” and said they were struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss.

“We cannot put into words our tragic loss and how much we will miss her,” the family said in a statement.

Family members remembered Erica as a joyful, intelligent and caring young woman whose “happiness was contagious.” They said she loved dancing, singing and spending time with relatives in Portugal.

According to her family, Erica had ambitions of becoming a midwife because of her love for children. She was also studying travel and tourism and was known for working hard academically and achieving strong grades in school.

Her family revealed that Erica had been excitedly preparing to celebrate her 18th birthday on June 1 and had already planned her birthday party and chosen her outfit for the occasion.

“Erica even had her outfit planned for her birthday,” the family said.

“She was the kindest person.”

Following the crash, a 17-year-old boy was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Authorities confirmed he has since been released on bail while investigations continue.

Greater Manchester Police said officers are continuing to support Erica’s family during the investigation.

The case is also being reviewed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which investigates incidents involving police actions and conduct.

The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, with tributes continuing to pour in for the teenager whose life was cut short just weeks before her 18th birthday.

Courtesy: BBC