Hundreds of mourners turned out for an emotional tribute to soldier, Codie Richardson, who was killed in a car crash
Family and friends of Private Codie Richardson gathered at Norton Rec to launch balloons and chinese lanterns in memory of the soldier who died with a colleague in a car crash near Catterick
Hundreds of mourners turned out for an emotional tribute to a young Stockton soldier who was killed in a car crash.
Friends, family and well-wishers gathered at Norton Park tonight for a lantern vigil in honour of Codie Richardson, whose life was cut short when the car she was travelling in hit a tree in Catterick, North Yorkshire, on Saturday.
The driver of the car, Codie’s colleague and friend, Mark McKeen, 23, from Northern Ireland, died at the scene.
Codie was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, where she died from her injuries.
The night skies above Norton village were lit up with dozens of lanterns in memory of 20-year-old Codie, and trooper McKeen, who were both Privates with The Royal Dragoon Guards, based at Catterick Garrison.
Codie Richardson memorial
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It is believed they were travelling back to camp from the supermarket when their Seat Ibiza left the road and crashed into a tree on Leyburn Road.
Hundreds of lilac balloons-for Codie’s favourite colour - were released to celebrate the lives of both serving soldiers while candles and cards littered the park grounds where Codie would often visit with Norton TA cadets.
Codie’s mum, Carol Muir, who lives on Norton Avenue, has been inundated with kind words and messages since losing her “shining star” and said she has been touched by the support her family has received from the Norton community.
Mrs Muir, 48, said: I am completely overwhelmed by the amount of people who have came out to remember Codie. I am speechless, to see so many. If she could see us now I know she would be laughing at us trying to get the lanterns to light.
“I really would like to thank each and every person for taking the time to think of Codie tonight. I am extremely proud, and I know she would be too.”
Codie went to Frederick Nattrass Primary School, in Norton, Albany Secondary School, also in Norton, and Stockton Riverside College, where she completed a three-year pre-uniform service before joining the Army at 18.
Yougest sister Casey, 15, held a banner in respect of her sister who she “always looked up to”.
Stood watching the lanterns take to the sky with best friend Shannon, 15, she said: “This just shows how loveable and repected my sister was. I can’t believe how many people are here. I am very happy and proud to see so many people paying their respects. Codie was the most amazing person and she deserves to be remembered forever.”
Animal lover Codie, was keen to learn to ride to horses since joining the Cavalry Regiment and was enjoying regular lessons.
Her body will be carried in a horse-drawn carriage to her military funeral - which will be held at St Michael’s Church on Imperial Crescent, Norton, on Tuesday at 1.45pm.
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