A tribute has been paid to a couple who died in an accident outside their army barracks, while on their way to a Halloween party.
Jack Paolucci, 19, and his fiancée Courtney Jennings, 18, who both served in the British Army, died when a Renault Clio they were travelling in veered off the road near Tidworth last Friday night.
The pair were both based at the military barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire, and had spent weeks preparing their Halloween outfits they were wearing at the time of the crash.
Today, Ms Jennings’ parents praised their ‘beautiful and’selfless” daughter and stated that they will miss her forever.
Jack Paolucci (left), 19, and Courtney Jennings (right), 18, who both served in the British Army, died when a car they were travelling in veered off the road near Tidworth
Ms Jennings was awarded her degree in September 2020 and was a part of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps (REME).
Staffordshire family members say she has left them devastated. They describe her as having an infectious smile and making everyone proud.
Two other passengers are still in hospital, one of them a 27-year old man in stable but critical condition.
In a statement released by Wiltshire Police, the family of Ms Jennings said: ‘Courtney lost her life far too soon.
“No parent should ever find herself in this position, but through all of our heartache, we have the memories that our daughter will always be in our hearts bright.
Courtney was 14 when her decision to join the Army was made. Through her determination and persistence, she was able to leave home at 16 to go to Harrogate Foundation college in pursuit of her dreams.
“She made herself proud and everyone around her as proud as she could. She has the most infectious smile and brightest laugh.
“Once she started, you couldn’t help but join in. She was selfless and had the kindest heart. She was very close to her family. She showed her love to everyone.
The Renault Clio in which they were traveling died after the vehicle they were using to transport them crashed into a tree near Tidworth on Friday night. Pictured: GV of road
Courtney was determined and sometimes stubborn but she always saw bigger picture. Jack was the best thing that ever happened to her. Jack took great care of her, which was reassuring for us as parents.
She was beaming when she spoke to me on FaceTime Friday about going to a club to celebrate Halloween. It took her weeks to make her costume.
“Unfortunately, she didn’t make it and that breaks our hearts. We had hoped that she would send us photos of the night.
“She sent us pictures of her before they left and she was so beautiful. That will be a memory we will always keep in our hearts. We are unable to believe that we will never be able to hug her or hear her voice again.
“It’s absolutely tragic, and we will always miss our angel.”
Two other men, aged 19 to 27, were injured in the crash. They were taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
One was transported there by air ambulance.
A 29-year old man sustained serious injuries while the other occupant of his vehicle, a 20 year-old man, suffered minor injuries.
The incident was attended by fire crews from Dorset and Wiltshire and Rescue Service, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and others.
Wiltshire Police spokesperson said that they responded to a road traffic collision involving a Renault Clio, which had struck a tree after it had left the road.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. Anyone with any information is requested to call 101 and quote reference # 54210105760.