AN inquest has been opened into the death of an 18-year-old passenger who died after a crash in Hamble.

Abbie O’Rourke, of Victoria Road, Netley Abbey, died at Southampton General Hospital on December 5 after a single-vehicle collision on School Lane. She was a passenger in a silver Toyota Aygo which collided with a tree just before 9pm the same day.

Acting area coroner Samantha Marsh opened the inquest into the child carer’s death at Winchester Coroner’s Court.

Pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri gave a preliminary cause of death as head injury with base of skull fracture.

A full inquest is expected to take place on May 29, next year.

Following Ms O’Rourke’s death her friends and family have paid tribute to her, with floral marks of respect laid beside the road where she died.

In a statement, her family said: “

The life of Abbie, who was a beautiful, talented, ambitious, intelligent, kind, giving, loving and so funny daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin was tragically taken from her.

“A daughter, who any parent would have been proud of, much loved by all; family, friends and work colleagues.

“Abbie, recently qualified as a practitioner at Hamble Early Years Centre where she loved working with the children.

“Abbie will be so very sadly missed but never ever forgotten. Abbie will be forever in our hearts and thoughts.

“Heaven has gained the brightest star of all

.”

Investigations into the exact circumstances of the collision are ongoing and officers are keen to speak to anyone with any information.