RELATIVES of an Ipswich teenager killed in a road crash today told of their pain over losing her after watching her grow into a “beautiful young woman”.

RELATIVES of an Ipswich teenager killed in a road crash today told of their pain over losing her after watching her grow into a “beautiful young woman”.

As investigations continued today into the fatal three-car crash which claimed the life of 18-year-old Sophie Underwood and left two others injured, the former Copleston High School student's aunt and uncle told how they would miss their niece.

Miss Underwood's aunt Anne and uncle John wrote a tribute following the crash which said: “Darling Sophie - our beautiful niece.

“You were such a lovely little girl, an attractive teenager and were growing into a beautiful young woman. You are 'gone to soon' and we will always miss you.

“Love, Auntie Anne, Uncle John, Jemma and Laura.”

Police are working to piece together the moments which led up to the crash, which happened in Foxhall Road at Brightwell at about 8pm near the Foxhall Waste and Recycling Centre on a notorious stretch of road.

The accident happened at around 8pm on Tuesday and police closed the road from the junction with the A12 to Dobbs Lane for six-and-a-half hours while crash investigators worked at the scene.

An 18-year-old woman who was driving the car Miss Underwood was in, a black Renault Clio, was taken to Ipswich Hospital where she remained today with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A 53-year-old man driving a Volkswagen Golf was also taken to hospital but was later discharged.

Miss Underwood, from Foxhall Road, attended Copleston Sixth Form until completing her AS Levels in November 2006.

Esther Watkin, the school's head of sixth form, paid tribute to Miss Underwood and said: “Sophie will be remembered as a fun-loving, sociable and vibrant young woman.

“Our thoughts are with her family at this tragic time.

“There are a lot of students here who were incredibly good friends with Sophie. She was central to having lots of fun.

“They are all very sad she has been taken so suddenly and that they have had no time to say goodbye to her.

“We have a counsellor in school all day and she has been speaking to some of those who have felt they needed that support. We have been speaking to students as well.”

Anyone who saw the crash should contact Pc Ben Coombes at Suffolk police headquarters roads policing unit on 01473 613500.

To pay your own tribute to Sophie Underwood call The Evening Star newsdesk 0n 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.

Floral tributes have been left at the site of the crash which killed Ipswich teenager Sophie Underwood.

Your bubbly personality and huge smile will never be forgotten.

Dearest Sophie

Our thoughts and our love are with you always.

Dear Sophie,

Thank you for all the happy times. You are going to be missed. You put a smile on everyone's face.

Sophie, I'll always remember your smiley face. You will be truly missed.

To Sophie, you were a ray of sunshine on a stormy day. Your smile will always be with me and your genuine kindness and spirit will live on forever.

Sophie, I miss your smile so much already. You were the most cheerful, bubbly person I have ever met and the best friend I could ever ask for.

Thank you so much for always being there. We have had so many laughs. We always said that we spent more time laughing than talking. I'm going to miss you so much.