An inquest has opened after the death of a teenage girl in a car crash in Banbury.
Esme Heaton-Biggs, 18, died at the John Radcliffe following a crash on Saturday, October 3.
A white Mercedes and a white Volkswagen Polo crashed on Bloxham Road, near the junction with Springfield Avenue, at around 9.20pm.
Esme, the driver of the Polo, was taken to hospital but died the following day.
An inquest was opened into the apprentice printer's death at Oxfordshire Coroner's Court by senior coroner Darren Salter on October 21.
Her precise medical cause of death remains under investigation. A full inquest has been listed for April 12 next year at 10am.
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Paying tribute, Esme's family described her as a “funny, kind, stubborn, witty and beautiful human being” who was loved by relatives and friends.
They said she was the “spark” of her friendship group and had been taken from them “far too soon”.
A GoFundMe set up for her family has raised more than £14,000.
Her family said: "The messages, flowers, gifts and donations have been overwhelming and of tremendous comfort whilst they navigate this tragic situation.
"Whilst nothing can bring back Esme, the love and kindness shown has helped beyond words.
"Thank you, from Tracy, Neil, Matthew and Erica."
Brian McLaren, a 36-year-old Banbury man, has since been charged with a number of driving-related offences in connection with the incident.
The charges include death by dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, causing death by due care while over the prescribed limit, driving whilst disqualified and driving a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was above the limit.
He appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates Court where he was remanded and will next appear in Oxford Crown Court on November 6.
Her family added: "She leaves behind a Mum that will miss her smile and her laughter, and her uncanny ability to lift anyone up who needed it,
"She leaves behind a Dad that will miss her practical jokes, and cheeky temperament that could lighten everyone's day up,
"She leaves behind a brother that will miss his little sister, the pink version of himself, the one person that was always pushed him to do more,
"She leaves behind a sister-in-law that will miss spontaneous messages, pictures, singalongs and shopping trips,
"She leaves behind a group of friends who describe her as "their spark" and the glue that held the social group together.
"The tragic loss of Esme leaves a profoundly large hole in the hearts of so many for so many different reasons, and she has been tragically taken from all of us far too soon."
In a Facebook post her mother Tracy Heaton-Biggs said: "The love and support we have received since then has been overwhelming. We want to thank everyone who has sent cards, laid flowers, called us, visited us, supported us, held us in their thoughts and prayers, this has helped us more than we could ever say. We are so very lucky to have some very special people in our lives."
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