TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman with a “magnetic personality” who died in a road tragedy at the weekend.
Kayleigh Sylvester suffered fatal injuries when she was involved in a collision with a Ford Mondeo as she crossed Leeds Road, Bradley Mills, on Friday night.
The 24-year-old, of nearby Town Crescent, had Asperger’s syndrome and was a client of care company Active Social Care, based in Bradley.
Last year she joined Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman in officially opening an activity centre for adults and children with learning difficulties at Newsome Road, Newsome, and went on to work in the kitchen there.
Staff and friends from Active today paid her a moving tribute.
In a statement, they said: “Kayleigh had a real magnetic personality and with it a cheeky way of making people laugh.
“Anyone who met Kayleigh would describe her as the straight-talking girl with the big smile.”
Kayleigh had been involved with Active for more than two years and featured in a DVD made for the Kirklees Learning Disability website about her employment.
The statement added: “Kayleigh was an enthusiastic participant member of the Kirklees Involvement Network, among other groups, and made sure she got her views across about issues that affect people with learning disabilities.
“Kayleigh has a huge number of friends who we know will really miss her, but she leaves behind a legacy of what can be achieved through hard work and sheer determination.
“Our thoughts and hearts go out to Kayleigh’s family at this devastating time.”
Kayleigh was crossing Leeds Road near the Yorkshire Rose pub at about 8.25pm on Friday when the incident happened.
She was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, but later died of her injuries.
A police sign appealing for information remains on the road today.
The 38-year-old Mondeo driver was arrested in connection with the incident.
He has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Relatives of Kayleigh were too upset to talk about their loss yesterday.
But floral tributes were growing near the spot where the collision happened.
One read: “My lovely, gorgeous cousin. Miss and love you always, you were the best.”
Inquiries into Friday’s collision are continuing. Witnesses are asked to contact Sgt Carole Clayton, of the major collision enquiry team, on 01924 293047.
