A woman who died in a multi-vehicle crash on the M5 motorway in Somerset on Friday morning has been named by Police as a carer who worked in Burnham-On-Sea.
29-year-old Elaina Beard from Bridgwater, pictured, died in the four-car collision shortly before 6.20am and 10 other people were injured between junctions 25 for Taunton and 26 for Wellington, as reported here.
Elaina worked for Bluebird Care in Burnham-On-Sea, providing home care and personal domestic care to local residents.
The firm said on Friday evening: “Sadly one of our lovely carers lost her life, the whole of Bluebird Care are in total shock. She will be missed by all.”
Elaina’s family issued an emotional tribute to her on Friday evening.
Her family says: “We are totally heartbroken at the loss of our Elaina. She was a loving sister, daughter, auntie and friend, who was so caring both as a carer in her day job and a family member.”
“Even as we write this it still doesn’t seem real that she was taken away from us so early.”
“We are supporting each other as a family and have sought a little comfort in the outpouring of messages from people close and far, and we thank you all.”
“We take some comfort knowing she is now with our nan and grandad.”
Pictured: Friday’s crash scene on the M5 motorway
A memo to Bluebird Care staff, posted on social media, says: “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our colleague and friend Elaina Beard from Bluebird Care tragically lost her life in an accident on the M5.”
“Elaina was the ‘firecracker’ in the Sedgemoor and Burnham-On-Sea team.”
“Courtney, her manager and friend, said she had a unique sense of humour which delighted her customers who will greatly miss her.”
“Elaina was a private person who spent her quality time with her sister and niece and nephew in Bridgwater.”
“Elaina had been with us since August 2017 and loved her job – she gave up her entire Christmas to help her colleagues enjoy theirs.”
“In short, Elaina was a great care worker who will be sadly missed by her colleagues and friends in her ‘Bluebird family’ as Elaina referred to us.”
“Courtney on behalf of the company has passed on our deepest condolences to the family.”
“Bluebird Care and Courtney are continuing to support the family.”
