Girl, 17, dies two weeks after police pursuit crash
HandoutA 17-year-old girl has died after a police chase ended in a car crash.
Erica De Sousa Correia died in hospital earlier, two weeks after being injured when a car being pursued by police officers came off the road in Bolton.
De Sousa Correia, who had been a passenger in the car, "was the baby of our very close family," her family said, adding: "We cannot put into words our tragic loss and how much we will miss her."
Following the crash in Walker Fold Road on 5 May, a 17-year-old boy was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.
'Birthday outfit planned'
"Erica's happiness was contagious," her family said.
"She loved to dance and sing and loved spending time in Portugal with her family.
"Erica wanted to become a midwife as she loved children and also studied travel and tourism.
"She was incredibly intelligent and studied hard and got good grades in school."
They said Erica had been due to celebrate her 18th birthday on 1 June and had been looking forward to having a party to celebrate her special day.
"Erica even had her outfit planned for her birthday," they added.
"She was the kindest person."
Greater Manchester Police said it was continuing to support the family, adding an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct was ongoing.
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