THE family of a woman killed in a car crash have said that her death leaves a “void which can never be filled” – as it’s revealed the victim is the stepdaughter of a late bestselling author.
Olivia Riley, 41, and her golden retrievers died on Saturday following the collision in a millionaire’s row in Chelsea, London.
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The driver of the car, a 26-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving before later being released on bail.
Olivia’s uncle Mark Riley, 71, said he was rendered “completely incomprehensible” when he was told about her death.
He told the Daily Mail: “It was something that is impossible to comprehend.
“Nobody should have to go through that at all.
“As an individual, you just could not hope to ever meet anybody who could be so joyful, full of life and considerate of others.
“She had an infectious sense of humour and was a confidante for all the family members.
“This void is never going to be filled apart from all the fantastic memories.
“She was very exceptional and was fantastic to be around.”
And it was confirmed that Olivia’s stepmother was the late best-selling author Lucinda Riley who she worked together with for many years as a personal assistant.
Lucinda’s Seven Sisters series, which began in 2014, became an international best-seller, with sales of more than 20million.
Olivia was the primary contact for all 37 of her stepmother’s global publishers and ran social media profiles and websites as part of her duties, reports The Telegraph.
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Her father Stephen became Lucinda Riley’s manager and literary agent in 2013.
Lucinda’s final book The Missing Sister became a bestseller in the weeks after her death from cancer last year.
Olivia’s neighbours in North Elmham, Norfolk, also paid tribute to her yesterday, describing her as a “lovely and chatty” person who “thought the world of her dogs”.
Cops and paramedics were called to Cheyne Walk at 6.21am to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian, animals and an Audi.
The 41-year-old was found dead at the scene on May 14 and her dogs also died as a result of injuries, police said.
One witness to the aftermath described it as “absolute carnage”.
They said on Facebook: “Two dead golden Labradors and one squealing so loudly, piercing the chaos all around.
“Lots of blood and several smashed cars.
“I have since learnt that the dog owner died at the scene with her three dogs.
“RIP lady and her dogs. So very very sad. Prayers for your family.”
Another passer-by wrote on Twitter: “I drove past this just after it happened.
“Absolutely awful scene – traffic lights mangled and three dead dogs in the road. There was damage to multiple cars.”
Police are urgently appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to call 101 quoting CAD 1500/14May.
Cheyne Walk is a mansion-lined road that stretches along the Thames and has long drawn famous residents such as rock star Sir Mick Jagger.
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