Dozens of tributes have been left near the scene of a crash which claimed the life of a young mother-of-two.

Flowers, cards, and candles have been placed in Hemel Hempstead in memory of 26-year-old Grace Estep.

Grace died on Tuesday on the A414 near the town centre when a car she was travelling was involved in a collision with two other vehicles.

Tributes have poured in for the popular mother from Kings Langley both on social media and at the scene in Hemel Hempstead.

A picture of Grace has been placed on a fence surrounded by flowers.

On the pavement, it says “RIP Our beautiful Gracie”.

Watford Observer:

Grace Estep has died at the age of 26. Credit: Hertfordshire Police

A close friend of Grace, Sophie Johnston, has set up a fundraising page to help her parents Sandra and Bill pay towards the costs of a funeral.

In less than 48 hours, £5,000 has been raised, which has already exceeded Sophie's initial target.

On the fundraising page, it reads: "We are raising money for Grace's family to help give her the best send off that she deserves.

"Grace was 26-years-old with her whole life in front of her. She was a mummy to 2 beautiful babies, and was tragically taken yesterday 25/08/20

"Grace was loved and adored by so many people. The hole that she leaves in everyone's hearts will never be filled."

Family friend Sophie, who formerly worked with Grace at The Hammer in Hand pub, told the Observer: “We’ve set the page up on behalf of the family because they don’t need to be worrying about money and costs. What’s happened is unthinkable.

“Grace was one of a kind and would do anything for anyone. She had an infectious laugh and would light up the dullest of rooms.

“The response to the fundraiser has been amazing. I want to thank everyone who has donated. It will help the family tremendously.

“We want to raise as much as possible. Grace’s mum Sandra says this gesture has taken so much worry and stress away.”

Watford Observer:

Grace Estep grew up in Watford. Credit: Hertfordshire Police

On Wednesday, Grace’s parents, who live in Watford, issued the following tribute to their daughter through the police.

They said: “Grace was the most loving, caring mother to our two beautiful grandbabies, Alfie and Ruby, and was also the most wonderful daughter, who we truly cherished.

“The light in our universe has been extinguished. May you rest your beautiful soul in peace, love mummy and your King ×××”

The fatal collision is being investigated by police.

It took place on the A414 St Albans Road shortly before 5pm on Tuesday.

Three cars were involved – a Fiat 500, a white Toyota, and a silver BMW.

Grace was a passenger in the Fiat and died at the scene.

The female driver of the Fiat remains seriously injured in hospital.

The drivers of the other two vehicles were also injured, police say, including one which police described as “badly”.

Watford Observer:

Sergeant Tom Daly, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit, said on Wednesday: “Our thoughts are with Grace’s family and friends at this extremely sad and difficult time.

“We are continuing to conduct extensive enquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed what happened and has not yet spoken with police.

“Equally, if you have a working dash cam fitted to your vehicle and you were travelling along St Albans Road at the time of the incident, we would like to hear from you.

“If you live in the vicinity of the collision and have either CCTV or a doorbell camera fitted to your property, please get in touch as you may have captured something of interest.”

Sgt Daly added: “I would ask that people with footage of the incident contact police and refrain from posting videos and photos on social media. This can only add to the distress of everyone those involved.”

Anyone with information can email Sgt Daly at tom.daly@herts.pnn.police.uk, report information online at herts.police.uk/report, or call 101 quoting reference ISR 495 of 25 August, or Operation Windrow.

The fundraising page can be found here.