Tragic Death of Former Beauty Queen at University Accommodation
A young beauty queen was tragically crushed to death by her own vehicle while unloading personal belongings outside her university accommodation. Eleisha Skinner, aged 21, who had been crowned Miss Faversham in 2022, was a student at Buckinghamshire New University in High Wycombe when the devastating incident occurred.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The tragedy unfolded as Eleisha was moving items from her car. The vehicle unexpectedly rolled backwards, trapping her against the wall of the university accommodation building. Despite being pinned, the resourceful young woman managed to dial 999, with emergency services arriving within minutes. Her housemates and medical personnel made desperate attempts to save her, but she succumbed to her injuries days later on January 8 in hospital.
It has since been confirmed that Buckinghamshire New University will posthumously award Eleisha a BSc with honours in social work, recognising her academic achievements.
Community Mourns a Beloved Figure
Eleisha was immensely popular in her hometown of Faversham. On a recent Friday, her family joined scores of well-wishers—more than 200 people—for a celebration of her life at St Mary of Charity Church. The funeral honoured the "beautiful, kind and selfless" former carnival queen with a traditional ceremony that included mourners wearing pink ties in tribute to her favourite colour.
Her coffin was carried by horse and carriage past her old school, The Abbey, along East Street to the church. The service featured heartfelt tributes from family members, close friends, and former teachers.
Family Tributes and Personal Reflections
Reverend Corcoran, reading on behalf of the Skinner family, reflected on Eleisha's love for Christmas, fashion, and her family. "Stunning, confident and always beautifully herself," he said. "Eleisha was the kind of person who made the world greater, just by being in it. Her impact was immense."
Her older brother Kian shared memories of their special bond, stating, "I stand here today as a proud brother, who witnessed Eleisha develop into a brilliant woman. There will never be a person who can replace my little sister."
Grandfather George added, "We had the privilege of knowing you as a child, watching you grow up, supporting you, celebrating who you've become, and loving you unconditionally. Eleisha cared fiercely about the people she loved."
Academic and Community Achievements
Eleisha thrived academically and socially, attending St Mary's Primary School and The Abbey in Faversham. She was actively involved in organising school events and fundraising for local causes like the Faversham Fire Brigade. Her decision to enter the Miss Faversham competition in 2022 surprised her family, but she embraced the role with pride, raising money for local charities and the Faversham Carnival Club.
She was later voted Miss Congeniality at the Miss Kent Dinner, which her family described as a "true reflection of her kind spirit." The carnival community became like a second family to them.
Ongoing Support and Investigation
Mother Clare Skinner expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and donations received following the tragedy. A GoFundMe page has been established in Eleisha's name to benefit the Thames Valley Air Ambulance team, whose paramedics provided critical care during the incident.
In a published tribute, her parents Nigel and Clare Skinner said, "We are utterly devastated by the sudden loss of our precious girl. Writing these words feels unimaginable, yet we want the world to know who she truly was: a kind, selfless, passionate young woman who always put others before herself."
A full inquest into Eleisha's death is scheduled for June 23 at the same venue as the funeral, where further details may emerge about the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
