HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a "bright and friendly girl" who died in a tragic car crash over the weekend.

Messages of support have flooded in for the family of Mia Craen following the collision in Southwater, near Horsham, on Saturday afternoon.

The 18-year-old from Horsham's most recent Instagram post has been inundated with hundreds of well-wishers commenting and paying their respects.

The Argus: Mia CraenMia Craen

Tributes have been paid to Mia Craen, 18, from Horsham, who died in a car crash in Southwater over the weekend Credit: Instagram

Mia's mum, Michelle Craen, posted an emotional statement on Facebook expressing her gratitude to those who had sent messages of support.

She said: "Thank you everyone. Mia was a beautiful, unique girl. She lit up every room she entered and will be missed so much. Thank you for all of you who have sent messages.

"I can’t reply to all of them as my heart is breaking.

"I do appreciate every single message you’ve all sent. Thank you."

Tributes have been paid to Mia Craen, 18, from Horsham, who died in a car crash in Southwater over the weekend

Tributes have been paid to Mia Craen, 18, from Horsham, who died in a car crash in Southwater over the weekend

Mia was a keen hockey player who played for Horsham Hockey Club's colts team.

Following her death, the club issued a statement remembering their teammate.

It read: "The club is very sorry to hear of the loss of Mia Craen who sadly died on January 30, 2021, in a tragic accident.

Tributes have been paid to Mia Craen, 18, from Horsham, who died in a car crash in Southwater over the weekend

Tributes have been paid to Mia Craen, 18, from Horsham, who died in a car crash in Southwater over the weekend

"Such a bright and friendly girl, nice to everyone, happy to help anyone and now missed by everyone.

"With much love, you will be sorely missed. All your friends at Horsham Hockey Club."

Sussex Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses as they look to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

The incident happened on the B2237 Worthing Road in Southwater, near Horsham, at about 12.30pm on Saturday.

A white Fiat 500 driven by Mia was the only vehicle involved in the collision. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Police are urging anyone who saw the Fiat being driven in the area immediately before the collision – or anyone who may have captured what happened on dash cam – to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Sunningdale."