A football club has paid tribute to a lively 17-year-old fan who died in a road collision in Derbyshire. Summer Cheeseman was travelling in a Vauxhall Corsa when the car left the road and hit a tree along Sutton Lane in Sutton Scarsdale at approximately 11pm on Sunday, April 19. The teenager suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement, her parents said she was a friendly young person who embraced life. The club she had supported since she was a child, Mansfield Town, has now released its own commemorative message.
A social media post from the club read that everyone at Mansfield Town was profoundly distressed to hear about the death of dedicated supporter Summer, who tragically lost her life in a car crash at just 17. The club expressed deep sympathy to her family and friends during this tremendously hard period and wished her eternal peace.
Following the collision, police detained a 19-year-old male motorist on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Her mother Beckie described her daughter through a statement issued by Derbyshire Constabulary as a friendly young person who embraced life, vivacious, extremely talkative and enjoyed being the focal point. She continued that she was highly driven and had clear ambitions for her future. She had a passion for her three horses, an interest she shared with her mother Beckie. They devoted considerable time together caring for the horses, and Summer also adored her dogs. She valued her family greatly and doted on her younger sisters. She was an immensely cherished daughter, sister, niece and cousin who was simply revelling in life to the fullest at 17.
According to her family, Summer had recently started a job at McDonald’s, a role she was excited about, and was studying construction at college.
Her father Rob spoke about the effect of her death, saying that Summer’s passing left a devastating void in the family’s life. He remembered that during her childhood, Summer enjoyed baking and cooking, creating YouTube videos, attending Mansfield Town matches, assisting with housework and being playful. She delighted in making her grandfather George and father Rob laugh with spontaneous jokes. Her grandfather adored Summer, calling her Twinkle because she brightened his day whenever they spent time together. He invariably found it difficult to refuse her anything she wanted. They take immense pride in having Summer as their daughter and granddaughter. She was perpetually cheerful and filled every space she entered with her bright, talkative character. Summer’s passing has left a devastating void in the lives of her entire family and everyone who knew her.