A MOTHER was killed and her daughter left in a coma while on holiday celebrating qualifying for her dream career.

Tributes have been paid to Alena Busmiene, of Eastbourne, who was on holiday in Russia with her six-year-old daughter Ariana when they were in a taxi crash.

Russian-born Alene qualified as a pharmacist last month having studied at the University of Brighton.

She was celebrating passing her exams by visiting her family with her daughter when they were involved in the tragic accident last Friday.

Friends paid tribute to Alene, who worked at Newmans pharmacy in Seaside, and have set up a crowdfunding campaign to pay for her funeral and support Ariana.

Friend Alena Paldanova said: “Alena Busmiene lost her life in a tragic accident last Friday.

“She went to visit her family to celebrate the passing of a very important exam. Unfortunately the taxi driver fell asleep behind the wheel.

“Alena passed away and her young daughter Ariana is in a critical condition in a Russian hospital.”

Ms Paldanova said that Ariana has now come out of her coma and is able to talk to family from her hospital bed.

Alena told friends she had passed her final exams and become a fully qualified pharmacist on July 28.

Onasis Quabbena Catalan said on Facebook: “RIP Beautiful.

“It’s a shame you didn’t get to enjoy your dream career.

“What a sad event.

“Life is too short.”

Katie Elaine Love said: “Still can’t believe our beautiful friend has gone xx.”

Sue Tutt said: “Beautiful Alena, I will never forget you... an absolute diamond to work with, funny, kind and the most loving mummy to your pride and joy Ariana.

“Praying for Ariana to get well soon.

“Just so unfair

Neil Burton said: “Such a tragic event.

“My thoughts are with all the family and I wish Ariana a speedy recovery.”

Sarah Franklin-Cooke said: “Dear Alena, it is so wrong that you have been taken now, we will all miss you at Lloyds Polegate, you were a lovely person and a great mum and you worked so hard.

“Your daughter will be very proud of you.”

The Foreign Office is understood to be supporting Ariana and Alena’s family.