Family ‘utterly devastated’ after beauty queen, 21, killed in ‘unforeseeable’ accident

A family have been left heartbroken after a young beauty contest winner was killed in a freak accident.

Eleisha Skinner, 21, died in an ‘unforeseeable incident’ involving a parked vehicle in icy weather conditions.

Despite fighting ‘bravely’ at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, she was pronounced dead on January 8.

Ms Skinner was a former Miss Faversham and dreamt of becoming a social worker.

Her parents, Nigel and Clare, said: ‘We are utterly devastated by the sudden loss of our precious girl.

‘Writing these words feels unimaginable, yet we want the world to know who she truly was: a kind, selfless, passionate young woman who always put others before herself.

‘Nothing was ever too much for Eleisha. She had a heart of gold and a smile that could light up any room.’

Eleisha surprised her family when she put herself forward for the Miss Faversham award in 2022.

She was crowned the winner and went on to represent her town at events across the county, raising money for charities and the local carnival.

Her family added: ‘Her love for her town and her genuine personality shone through.

‘Her leadership, warmth, and dedication shone through. Her instinct to help others was always present.’

Eleisha was also voted as Miss Congeniality by the courts at the Miss Kent Dinner.

Aside from her work in the community, she had a passion for synchronised swimming and competed at the Kent Championships.

A GoFundMe page launched for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance has raised more than £2,000.

In a message on the fundraiser, her family said: ‘If her story can help save another family from experiencing such pain, then her legacy of kindness will continue.’

Tributes have been paid to Eleisha and her contribution to the community.

The Faversham Carnival Club said in a statement: ‘Eleisha was a fantastic ambassador for Faversham and a truly lovely girl. We all have some lovely memories of our time spent with her.

‘Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this devastating time. Eleisha will be missed by so many.’

A celebration of Eleisha’s life will take place on Friday, February 6, at 2.30pm at St Mary of Charity Church, Faversham, followed by a wake at Judd’s Folly, Faversham.

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