A GRIEVING family have paid tribute to a "vivacious beautiful" young woman who has died after being hit by a van while walking her dog

Henrietta 'Hatty' Harrison, 24, was staying with her parents in Oake during lockdown when tragedy struck.

Hatty was rushed to Southmead Hospital, in Bristol, suffering catastrophic injuries after the incident near Oake Green, last Thursday shortly before 7am.

She died in hospital the following day.

She leaves parents, David and Fay, and her adored sister Milly.

Hatty had been staying with her parents for a fortnight and walked her pet poodle every morning.

Mr Harrison said: "Hatty was vivacious and beautiful.

"She was very kind and thoughtful.

"She touched more people's lives than we realised. We were amazed by the response on social media."

Hatty was born at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, and was educated locally at King's Hall, King's College and Richard Huish College.

She then attended the Fashion Retail Academy in London.

At the time of her death, she was working as a merchandiser for Boden in the capital.

She had previously spent two and a half years working on a ski resort, in Verbier, Switzerland, and had travelled widely.

From a young age, Hatty was talented at sport, leading to her winning a scholarship to King's College, where she excelled at hockey, representing Somerset and being selected for the South West of England training squad.

She was a Pony Club member, taking part in the national championships, and was a member of Taunton Vale Harriers and had gone riding on the Brendon Hills during the past couple of weeks.

Hatty was artistic and creative and a keen skier.

She had recently spent a fortnight in Italy visiting Milly, who lives and works in Verbier.

Mr Harrison said: "We were very lucky to have Hatty here for the past fortnight.

"We've got some fabulous photos and memories.

"She was about to move flats in London and everything was looking good."

When news of Hatty's death reached Verbier, around 40 people gathered at the local chapel to celebrate her life.

Hatty's funeral, at a date to be set, will feature a small family service in the church at Oake, with friends expected to gather outside due to Covid-19 restrictions.

All enquiries should be made to Taunton Funeral Services on 01823 321077.