THE family of an ‘amazing’ woman have paid a touching tribute to their ‘ray of sunshine’ after a crash between a car and a tractor killed her and left her daughter fighting for life.

Carol Broxholme, from Wellington, died following a crash in Bridgwater Road, Taunton, shortly before 7pm last Thursday.

Her daughter, Sherryann, 25, was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition in Southmead Hospital.

The road was closed through the night as police launched an investigation into the horror crash, and two teenagers, aged 19 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and have been released on police bail until April 11.

Now, the family of 59-year-old Carol, who leaves behind son, Luke, two daughters, Tiffany and Sherryann, daughter-in-law Jo and two grandchildren, twins Josh and Layla, three, have paid heartfelt tributes.

Carol, originally from Scotland, moved around the UK with work before settling in Minehead 15 years ago, before moving to her beloved Wellington.

She also spent a lot of time in Taunton, where her son’s family live and at the time of the crash was going home after attending a Slimming World class with her daughter Sherryann.

Tiffany, Carol’s youngest daughter, said: “She was my best friend as well as a mum. I’m happy for the time I have had with her.

“When I lived with her it was us against the world. I loved her to pieces and I’m going to miss her so much.”

Jo Broxholme, Carol’s daughter-in-law, also paid a moving tribute to her.

She said: “Carol was amazing, she was the best mother-in-law I could have had, she was always there for us all, always dependable. She always had a smile on her face, and always saw the positive side in everything and everyone.

“She was our ray of sunshine, she could make a dark day a brighter day.

“Our house is so empty now. She was the centre of our family, she was our rock.

“She was such a good grandmother, she was so hands on with the twins, they were her world.”

Despite moving around the country, Jo said Carol had a real affinity with Somerset and said the family had a lot of fond memories of her, particularly Jo and Luke’s wedding in May last year.

Jo added: “She loved Wellington, and loved Taunton too. We have some really fond memories of her. She was so happy when we got married, and she burst out crying when she found out we were having twins. It is her 60th birthday in the summer, and we were going to have a big celebration.

“The gap will never be filled. We will try and carry on, we have to, but there’s a void in our lives that will never be filled.

“She really was a remarkable woman, she was loved by so many people and we just want to thank everyone who has sent us cards and messages since it happened.”

Colette Hayter, leader of the Slimming World group, also paid tribute.

She said: “Carol was a lovely, bright and fun member of our Slimming World group, there is some comfort that we were able to spend happy moments with Carol.”

“Carol was very supportive and played an active part of group, always offering a kind word and providing a smile. As a group we are all deeply shocked by Carol’s tragic and sudden loss. We have lots of happy memories of many fun times shared.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash. Anyone with information should contact them on 101, reference 1012.