Family pay tribute to teenage girl killed after being hit by car in Rowley Regis

The family of a teenage girl killed in a New Year’s Eve road crash in Rowley Regis have paid tribute to their “brightest star”.

The girl, 14, has been named as Olivia Kolek.

Olivia was in Station Road, near Rowley Regis railway station, at around 4.45pm on 31 December when she was struck by a grey Mercedes.

Paramedics attended the scene but tragically there was nothing could be done to save the 14-year-old and she was pronounced dead just before 5.30pm.

The driver, a 39-year-old man, stopped and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving while under the influence of drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while police await forensic test results and carry out further enquiries.

Olivia’s family have released this tribute: “Our love, our heart, our life. We will love you forever and longer.

“She had a lot of plans for so many things to do. She was the brightest star in our life.

“We ask that our privacy is respected at this time.”

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.