The family of 19-year-old aspiring actress Rosa Taylor has shared a heartfelt tribute following her tragic death in a car crash last week. Rosa was traveling to a theatre performance in Corsham on Thursday, July 24, when the Hyundai i10 she was in collided with a Scania Tipper HGV on the A4 Bath Road near the Wiltshire-Somerset border. The fatal collision occurred around 1:30 pm, and Rosa was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rosa’s father, Gareth Taylor, remembered her with deep affection: “Anyone who knew Rosa would agree she was the most beautiful person inside and out. She embodied a spirit that shined brightly and was taken too soon. Loved by all who met her, she was the most talented, beautiful, and loving soul I have ever known.”
Rosa, originally from Upholland, Lancashire, was a passionate performer who played lead roles at the Artz Centre in Skelmersdale before studying musical theatre at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) Sixth Form College. She had recently been accepted to the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London, where she was set to begin her studies this September.
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Her theatre credits included performances with Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre in shows such as Legally Blonde: The Musical and Liverpool Playhouse’s WOW That’s What I Call Musicals. At the time of her passing, Rosa was touring as the lead in the Beggars Belief Collective production of SCRUMPTIOUS!, and was en route to a performance at Corsham Library.
Beyond theatre, Rosa brought joy as a children’s party entertainer, delighting young audiences by portraying beloved characters like Ariana Grande, Jasmine from Aladdin, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She also worked at Briar’s Hall Hotel in Ormskirk.
Her family and friends cherish her memory as “a shining star,” “the greatest friend anyone could ask for,” and “the most naturally gifted performer ever seen.”
Wiltshire Police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage related to the crash to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 quoting log 54250100571, or email [email protected]. The police expressed their condolences to Rosa’s family and friends during this difficult time.