TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved and vibrant teenager following a fatal collision on the A13. 

Officers were called to the Pitsea flyover shortly before 2:30pm on Saturday, 1 July following reports of a serious collision involving one vehicle.

A passenger of the car, a 18-year-old woman, died at the scene. 

She has now been identified as Ellie Jo Evers, from Benfleet. 

In a statement, her family said: "Ellie Jo is a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin.  

"She was a fun-loving, vibrant teenager with many friends who has been taken from us all too soon.  

"Her tragic passing has left all of us heartbroken.

"We would like to express our thanks for the kind words and support we continue to receive."

Three occupants of the car remain in hospital, one remains in a critical condition. 

The others have suffered serious injuries.

Detective Sergeant Sam Nason from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit is continuing to call for witnesses to come forward. 

He said: "Our enquiries into this tragic collision continue at pace. 

"We would continue to urge anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or those with CCTV or dashcam footage to get in touch. 

"Our thoughts remain with the family of Ellie Jo, who now need time and space to grieve and attempt to come to terms with their loss.

"We continue to offer support to them throughout this process."

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote incident 781 of 1 July when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."