A CLOSE friend of a woman who died in a crash in Headington has paid tribute following her death.

The 32-year-old, named locally as Jennifer Wong and PA to Pro-Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes Professor Linda King, was killed in a collision with an HGV mounted crane on Sunday morning at the junction of Headley Way and London Road.

ALSO READ: Woman, 32, dies in crash involving HGV crane and bike in Headington

Oxford University alumnus Cynthia Hass said Miss Wong was one of her closest friends and is saddened to hear of the tragedy.

She said: “She was an amazing friend. Jennifer Wong was a light for everyone that she touched. She was like family, she cared about everyone and always made sure that people were taken care of.

“She was one of my closest friends, my housemate, and an angel in some of the hardest of times.”

Miss Hass, who has now moved to France, said she lived with Miss Hong in Oxford during lockdown where they spent lots of time bonding together.

She described her beloved friend as an adventurous person with many hobbies who always thought of others before herself.

Oxford Mail: Jennifer WongJennifer Wong

She said: “We have so many memories together. We’d cook breakfast every morning, watch movies, eat popcorn, and laugh.

ALSO READ: Oxfordshire councillor calls for change after cyclist death

“Jenny loved her life, she loved waking up, doing crafts, working out, listening to music, baking cakes and cooking. She was just beginning weight training and always came up with goals to push herself, like going back to school to complete her degree.

“She loved different cultures, playing tennis, learning and she was excited to travel and explore new places.

“It shows me how precious life is. She shed light wherever she went and was a gift to all those she touched.

"She was an angel while she was here and she’ll be one long after she is gone. We love you and wish we could see you again."

A vigil was held last night (Friday) at the junction where Miss Wong was killed, and a white painted bike has been placed there along with flowers by people.

Her death follows the deaths of two other young cyclists in Oxford; one in 2020 on Horspath Driftway and one on Old Road this year.

ALSO READ: Oxford cycle quickways could be introduced if plans go ahead

Oxford cycling group Cyclox says they could have been prevented if the redesign of the roads had put the safety of cyclists first and not the need to keep traffic flowing.

Dr Alison Hill, chairman of Cyclox, said: “The approaches to the Headley Way/London Road junction have segregated paths but cyclists then have to share the road space at the junction itself.

“This tragic death shows that the junction has failed all cyclists who use it.

“We call on Oxfordshire County Council to adopt Vision Zero, where designs of our streets will stop road deaths and serious injuries for all road users. It is unbearable to think that further deaths will occur because priority is given to keeping motor traffic flowing.”

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