A CAR crash that killed a 21-year-old student was a tragic accident, an inquest heard yesterday.

Rebekah Stephens died after the Vauxhall Astra she was traveling in left the road and hit a tree, on the A66 near Barnard Castle last year.

Miss Stephens, who lived in a flat in Fishergate, York, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital but died of her injuries.

Her 19-year-old brother, James, of Bedale, North Yorkshire, who was driving the car, attended the inquest in Darlington with his family yesterday.

Coroner Andrew Tweddle, who recorded a verdict of accidental death, said: "This tragic accident has been an extremely traumatic event for the family concerned."

The crash took place in the early hours of Saturday, October 9, on the eastbound road of the A66. Police said despite an appeal for witnesses no other vehicles were involved.

Miss Stephens, who went to Bedale High School, travelled widely with her family while her father, Mark, was serving with the RAF.

At a memorial at St Gregory's Church, in Bedale, last year Miss Stephens was described as a deep thinker with an opinion on almost anything, and a loyal friend.

She had a strong concern for the environment and other people and a great love of animals and was a strong supporter of Amnesty International and Greenpeace.