Tributes to ‘beautiful’ Milda

Milda Okunyte, 20, from Lithuania, died after being involved in a fatal collision on Preston New Road, Clifton.

Police investigating the incident on Preston New Road, Clifton, have now formally identified the victim as Milda Okunyte.

The University of Central Lancashire student was last seen alive in Preston town centre at 3pm on Tuesday.

At 10.50pm the same day police were called to reports of a woman lying in the road, where she was found with fatal injuries. She later died at the Royal Preston Hospital.

SHINING LIGHT: University student Milda Okunyte

Friends gathered in her honour on Thursday night in Preston. A regular music night at The Beautiful Planet Cafe, on Friargate, featured some of her artwork and people were invited to pay their respects to the 20-year-old.

Afterwards, Michelle Jane wrote on Facebook: “What a beautiful night guys. Perfect way to celebrate such a unique soul. Truly blessed to know you all. Milda would have been proud.”

A number of tributes have also been paid on the social media site following news of Miss Okunyte’s death.

Joseph Dawes posted: “RIP Milda, I cannot believe you have been taken so young, it just doesn’t feel real, your beautiful spirit will live on.”

Keiron Rush wrote: “God bless you, wherever you are shine a new light, sit amongst the stars, Milda.”

Genevra Laurene posted: “You’ll always have a place in all of our hearts and minds. Just in such shock. Too young and too talented to be taken so soon. Love you forever.”

Police are now appealing for information as they try to piece together Miss Okunyte’s final movements.

It remains unclear how she came to be in the road.

Sgt Sean Cunningham of the Road Policing Unit said: “This is a tragic incident where a young woman has sadly passed away and specialist officers are supporting her family at this difficult time.”

Miss Okunyte is described as white, approximately 5ft 10ins and of slim build. She had long dark hair that came to the middle of her back that appeared to have feathers woven into it.

She was wearing black Nike trainers, jeans and a grey hooded top.

Anyone who believes they may have seen her is urged to contact police.

A 26-year-old man from St Annes who was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of an accident was bailed until May 29 and is helping police with their inquiries.

Call police on 101 with any information.