'Much-loved daughter' killed in quad bike incident named in tribute

Grace Vater, known to many as Gracie, died in hospital from her injuries following the incident on the Wiltshire border on Saturday, December 23.

In a statement released by Gloucestershire Constabulary, her family said: "We as a family are totally devastated to have lost our beautiful darling Gracie.

"A treasured and much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter and aunty.

Grace Vater (Image: Gloucestershire Police)

"She was the most kind, caring and beautiful soul inside and out, and would help anybody that needed her help. She was loved by everyone who met her.

"A country girl with the biggest heart and a huge love for animals, especially dogs, pigs and cows. 

"Our lives will never be the same without her, but we take comfort in knowing that Gracie is with her beloved dad. We ask that all of Gracie's family are given privacy during this horrific time."

Police believe Gracie fell off a quad bike which overturned on Whitehouse Lane in Shipton Moyne, near Malmesbury, shortly after 2pm.

She was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol by Wiltshire Air Ambulance and died two days later.

A man is believed to have made off from the scene on a quad bike and was later found and arrested after a search involving the police helicopter. A second man was also later arrested.

Two men, aged 29 and 30 and from the Cotswolds, have been bailed with conditions to return to police in February, pending further enquiries.

Officers are still seeking information in connection with the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the quad bike being driven prior to the incident can provide information to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 251 of December 23: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/