Tributes paid to female team rugby player who died in Bridgwater crash

Bethany Branson, 19, who played for Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club, died in a collision involving four cars in Bridgwater at the A38 Broadway junction with Monmouth Street, St John Street, and Eastover. 

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "Two men were arrested following the incident and one man has now been charged following the collision.

"Luke Hawkes, 29 of Wadham Close, Bridgwater, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a sample of breath.

"Hawkes appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court today (Thursday 10 November).

"He has been remanded into custody and will next appear at Taunton Crown Court on Friday, December 9.

"A second man, who was arrested following the incident, has been released under investigation."

Bethany's parents, Amy and Ben, have paid tribute to their daughter following her death.

Bethany Branson (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

They said: "Today our hearts have been torn in two. Our beautiful, brave, and unbelievably special baby girl, Bethany, has been taken from us.

"She will always be so cherished and loved in our hearts and we know that she was loved by so many around her.

"Today, the world suddenly seems a much, much sadder place."

The family is grateful for the support they have received from the public and now requests privacy as they mourn the loss of Bethany.

The family is being supported by a specially trained officer during this difficult time.

Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club shared a message through their Facebook page and said: “It is with shock and great sadness that we have learned of the death of Beth Branson. Beth was an active member of our Women’s team.

 

“Beth has been a member of our Women’s team for many years and graduated through our girls and youth sections.

"She has been taken far too early at the age of 19 and the situation teaches us how unjust some situations are.

“Geoff Sluman, director of rugby for Albion, said: 'This is such incredibly sad news, I would regularly see Beth at the Women’s games at Women’s training and generally in and around the clubhouse.

‘She was always a lovely person and a great team member and club person.
'She always walked around the place with a smile on her face even when, or I should say especially when, she was active on the rugby pitch with her teammates. My condolences go to Beth’s family and friends.'

“Sophie Phillips, the women’s team players coach, said: 'Beth was a great player and a great friend to all at the club, whose bubbly personality rubbed off on everyone and would light up any room.
'I would like to extend our condolences as a team to Beth's family and friends.'

“Geoff added: 'I know a lot of the Women’s team and leadership group wants to pay tribute to Beth, but they are just unable to at the moment as the shock is deep and the pain raw, but they will when the time is right.

‘For now, on behalf of myself, on behalf of Bridgwater & Albion RFC, and especially on behalf of the Women’s section and all of Beth’s many friends at the club we offer our sincere condolences to Beth’s dad Ben, mum Amy, and brother Joe and all of Beth's family.’”

Police are still appealing for any witnesses, especially those who have dashcam footage of the incident.

​Anyone with information can contact police on 101 and quote reference 5222269365.