‘Kind and caring’ woman, 20, killed in crash with ‘true love’ boyfriend as heartbroken families pay tribute

Tributes have been paid to a young couple killed after their van crashed off a country road.

Ryan Duffy, 24, was driving Ellie Marsden, 20, in a Citroen Berlingo when the pair were involved in a fatal one-vehicle collision on Sunday (September 5).

Emergency services were called to the B6260 between Kings Meaburn and Drybeck, in Cumbria, at 7.40am but sadly the pair were pronounced dead at the scene.

Inquiries are still ongoing to establish the full circumstances which led to the tragic deaths of the couple, who were from Wigan, Greater Manchester, Cumbria Police said.

‘She wanted to make the world a better place’

Their heartbroken families have today paid tribute to the couple in emotional statements after they were officially named by police.

Ellie’s family said they have been left ‘heartbroken for all eternity’ after their ‘beautiful’ daughter died in a horror crash with her boyfriend.

In a touching tribute, care worker Ellie’s family said she was a ‘kind, loving and caring’ woman who ‘just wanted to make the world a better place’.

They said in a statement: "Ellie had grown into the most amazing young lady with all of the qualities that you can only hope for in a daughter.

"So full of fun with a quick-witted sense of humour, she made us immensely proud.

“Every bone in her body was kind, loving, caring and she just wanted to make the world a better place.

“Ellie’s beauty was breath-taking both inside and out and we will be heartbroken for all eternity.

“We are so thankful for the precious 20 years that we got with Ellie and watching her grow up into the most amazing, loving human being and our hearts burst with pride.

“We can’t comprehend that she has been taken from us."

‘I am so glad that Ellie got to experience true love’

Ellie’s family added that she ‘found love’ when she met Ryan, who made her ‘so happy’.

In a touching tribute to the pair, her family added: “I am grateful she found someone who made her so happy who she shared so many loving and fun times with.

“From going to festivals and posh hotels to hikes and fishing trips, camping at a lake. Ryan taught her to fish.

“We never thought Ellie would have entertained this idea and we laughed about how this glam and beautiful princess would light up the lake and bring the glam to fishing.

“I am so glad that Ellie got to experience true love and a young man looking after her as she deserved all of this and more.”

‘He was my entire world and I will be lost without him’

Ryan’s mum, who hasn’t been named by the police, said her entire world would be ‘lost without him’ in a heart-breaking tribute.

She said: “Ryan was a kind hearted, fun loving, happy, son, grandson, nephew and friend to many.

“Ryan lived for his family and friends and was devoted to his girlfriend Ellie.

"He had a big heart and personality and was adored by all who knew him.

“Ryan loved fishing and took every opportunity possible to try and catch that elusive ‘big fish’.

“We are devastated as a family at his passing, he will be sorely missed every single day until we meet him again. As his Mum he was my entire world and I will be lost without him.”

Police launch investigation

Cumbria Police said they have launched an investigation to establish the full circumstances which led to the tragic deaths of the couple.

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed a white Citroen Berlingo van in the area or have information on this incident to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit, calling 101.

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