The family of 22-year-old Gracie Vater, who tragically lost her life in a quad bike accident near King Charles’ Highgrove Estate, has paid a heartfelt tribute to their beloved ‘country girl.’ The incident occurred when Gracie is believed to have fallen off a quad bike, which overturned just after 2 pm on Saturday, December 23.
Gracie was rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with severe injuries but, sadly, she passed away on Christmas Day, according to Gloucestershire Constabulary’s statement on Wednesday. The accident unfolded on Whitehouse Lane in the Cotswolds village of Shipton Moyne, near Tetbury, a location less than two miles away from Highgrove House, a favoured residence of Prince Charles and Camilla.
In a moving tribute, Gracie’s family described her as their ‘beautiful darling Gracie’ and expressed that their lives ‘will never be the same without her.’ They remembered her as a kind, caring, and beautiful soul, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Gracie’s love for animals, particularly dogs, pigs, and cows, was immense, and she had a big heart for her countryside surroundings.
The family statement read, “A country girl with the biggest heart and a huge love for animals, especially dogs, pigs, and cows. Our lives will never be the same without her, but we take comfort in knowing that Gracie is with her beloved dad. We ask that all of Gracie’s family be given privacy during this horrific time.”
Following the accident, a man reportedly fled the scene on a quad bike, leading to a police search that involved a helicopter. A second man was also later arrested. Two men, aged 29 and 30 and from the Cotswolds, have since been released on bail with conditions to return to the police in February, pending further investigations.
Air ambulance teams were dispatched to the scene after Gracie fell from the quad bike, which then overturned, dragging her along the narrow lane bordered by fields and woodland. Another quad bike was also involved in the incident.
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed that the police helicopter was deployed after a man fled the scene on a quad bike. The two suspects were held in custody on suspicion of causing death or serious injury by dangerous driving. One of the men faced additional charges, including suspicion of perverting the course of justice, driving under the influence of drugs, having no license, and having no insurance.
The road was reopened after a forensic collision investigation at approximately 10 pm. Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or observed the quad bike being driven before the incident to contact Gloucestershire Police, quoting incident number 251 of December 23.
