A 22-year-old woman injured in a quad bike crash near Malmesbury died on Christmas Day.
Grace Gracie Vater, known as Gracie, passed away after two days after sustaining critical injuries in a road traffic collision on Whitehouse Lane, Shipton Moyne, on Saturday (23 December).
She was treated at the scene by three air ambulance crews, with Wiltshire Air Ambulance airlifting her to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for urgent care.
It’s understood that Gracie was thrown from the back of a quad bike when it overturned. The rider made off, sparking a manhunt involving a dog unit and helicopter.
A man suspected of riding the vehicle was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice, driving while under the influence of drugs and driving without a licence or insurance.
A second man, suspected of riding a second vehicle involved, was also arrested for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Both aged 29 and 30 and from the Cotswolds, were released on bail – with conditions – prior to Gracie’s death.
Tributes online label Gracie ‘bubbly, generous, genuine and amazing’.
One friend wrote: “Oh Grace, where do I begin. I can’t even believe I’m writing this. It just doesn’t seem real that you’re gone.
“We only spoke on Saturday and if I had known that would be the last time I would have spoke to you all day and not put down the phone.
“You were the most bubbly, generous, genuine, amazing person I’ve ever known. I’m going to miss you so much, this has hit me really hard, I’m lost for words. I love you so much Gracie, sleep tight.”
Another penned: “Gracie Vater rest in peace beautiful, I can’t believe your gone. Love you always xxxxx”
A forensic collision investigation was undertaken by Gloucestershire Constabulary. A probe into the circumstances remain ongoing.
The Beaufort Hunt – whose terrier men and supporters often use quad bikes – were meeting in the area at the time, but deny any involvement in the incident.
In a statement, the hunt spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident which we understand involved some local farm workers but did not involve any hunt employees or hunt members.
“We do not know any more details but our thoughts are with all those involved.”
