Epping: Family tribute to Jess Waterman, 20

The family of a young woman who died following a collision in Epping have paid tribute.

Officers were called at around 10.30pm on Saturday 19 February, to reports of a single vehicle collision in Houblons Hill, Epping, involving a red Mini.

Sadly, a young woman died on Sunday 20 February.

We are now able to identify her as 20-year-old Jess Waterman of Bishop's Stortford.

Jess’s family paid tribute to their “beautiful daughter” and “treasured, older sister” saying that they “cannot describe the pain of losing her.”

The family described how Jess was tragically taken from them three days before her 21st birthday.

“Jess was beautiful inside and out.

“Her desire to help and support those around her was the crux of who she was.

“For someone so young, she had amazingly strong morals and values with a striving passion towards making the world a fairer and safer place to be.

“Jess loved to laugh and see the funny side in everything. She had such an infectious personality which seemed to touch so many and she really did light up the room as she walked in.

“She leaves a gaping hole, not only in our lives, but in the lives of so many others.

“We love you Jess, you will remain forever in our hearts.”

A 32-year-old man remains on bail after he was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving, failing to stop, failing to report, driving whilst unfit, possession of cannabis and perverting the course of justice.

Officers would like to renew their appeal to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the vehicle prior to the collision.

We would also like to hear from anyone who has any dash cam footage via the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on [email protected]

Alternatively, if you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Please quote incident 1397 of 19 February.

You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.