Sophie Crew, 23, died in a head on collision on the B3078, near Horton, in June after she crashed into a school bus carrying 45 pupils from the Alderholt and Cranborne areas.
At the inquest Coroner Sheriff Payne recorded a verdict of accidental death after hearing Miss Crew’s Mini was seen driving into the path of the coach on June 11. He said that Miss Crew’s car must have only been on the wrong side of the road by a foot but “because of the width of the coach there was little room for error”. The collision resulted in the coach leaving the road and hitting a tree, a road sign and a telegraph pole. Miss Crew’s father Stephen spoke at the inquest and described his daughter, who worked as a scientist for Wessex Water, as a popular young woman who had many friends and spent time helping charities. In a statement the family said: “Sophie’s tragic death has affected so many people as she embraced every aspect of life and was such a vibrant and enthusiastic individual.
“As a family we have received hundreds of letters showing not only people’s condolences but expressing how Sophie positively enriched their lives and supported them through challenging times.
“As a family we would like to thank everyone for their support and love throughout this devastating time of our lives.”
During the inquest the coach driver Christopher Tomlin said the crash was very traumatic for everyone involved, including the 26 pupils on their way to Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne,
He said: “I think about it every day and night as it was traumatic for everyone involved.”
The inquest heard some of the children were not wearing seatbelts and there were a number of minor injuries, but everyone was taken off the coach safely.
Following the crash Miss Crew was taken to Poole Hospital with a severe head injury but died hours later.
During this time in hospital the family agreed to organ donation and as a result Mr Payne said that eight people have been saved.
*OUR DEEPEST THOUGHTS GO TO THIS FAMILY*
