CRESSWELL QUAY, Wales — A wave of grief has engulfed the tight-knit community of Cresswell Quay following the tragic death of 18-year-old Sally Allen, who lost her life in a road traffic collision on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, while returning from the Royal Welsh Show.

Sally, a cherished resident of The Nook, Cresswell Quay, was driving a red Renault Clio when it collided with a blue Audi Q5 at approximately 8:00 a.m. near Broadoak, between Carmarthen and Llandeilo on the A40. Emergency services responded swiftly, but despite their efforts, Sally was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the Audi were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Sally’s family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers from Dyfed-Powys Police.

The A40 was closed for several hours to allow for a thorough collision investigation and has since reopened.

Sally’s untimely passing has left her family, friends, and the wider community in profound shock. Described as a vibrant young woman with a passion for horses and rural life, Sally was a familiar and beloved figure at equestrian events across the region. Her family paid a heartfelt tribute, calling her “endlessly caring, unintentionally hilarious, and the most amazing supportive and joyful person.” They added that she was a “treasured daughter” to Richard and Kate, a “much-loved sister” to William and Issie, and someone who “lit up any room she entered with her smile and personality.”

The Reynalton Village Facebook group, among the first to share news of her passing, posted a moving tribute: “Sally was a warm, compassionate young woman with a love for horses and country life. Her loss leaves an unfillable space in the lives of so many who knew and loved her.”

Ysgol Greenhill, Sally’s former school in Tenby, also expressed their sorrow, stating: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sally Allen, a highly valued and respected member of the Ysgol Greenhill community. This news has come as a profound shock to us all, and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Allen family.” The school will open on Monday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering a quiet space for pupils, friends, and community members to gather, with staff and educational psychologists available for support. A book of condolence will also be available.

To honor Sally’s memory, a special Eucharist service will be held at Jeffreyston Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, led by Father Paul Davies. The service will offer prayers for Sally’s family and the grieving community, and all are welcome to attend.

Dyfed-Powys Police are actively investigating the circumstances of the collision and are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage from those traveling along the A40 at the time of the incident. A police spokesperson stated: “Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is urged to contact us online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference 075 of the 23rd.” Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Sally’s mother, Kate Kenniford-Allen, shared an emotional plea on social media, writing: “All we now have of our beautiful Sally is memories and photos. Let’s now let her know just how special she really was to so many people. The hole you have left, Sal, is enormous, and I have no idea how we are ever going to manage without you.” Her father, Richard Allen, added: “Sally was beautiful inside and out. I’m the luckiest man in the world because she called me dad.”

The outpouring of tributes has highlighted Sally’s impact, with friends and community members describing her as “a true gem,” “one of a kind who made you smile every time you saw her,” and “the most wonderful girl ever.” As the community mourns, many are reflecting on the need for enhanced road safety measures on rural routes like the A40 to prevent future tragedies.

Sally’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, as Cresswell Quay and beyond unite in grief for a young life taken far too soon.