Tragedy as two NHS nurses die in car crash while visiting the Grand Canyon on holiday
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Tragedy as two “kind and talented” NHS nurses are killed in a horrific car accident while visiting the Grand Canyon for the holiday of a lifetime, while heartbroken colleagues pay tribute to “very dear” friends.
- Tatiana Brandão, 30, and Raquel Moreira, 28, were on vacation when the tragedy occurred
- Both had been veteran nurses and friends at Southampton General Hospital.
A pair of NHS nurses have died in a car accident while visiting the Grand Canyon on their dream vacation.
Southampton General Hospital doctors Tatiana Brandão, 30, and Raquel Moreira, 28, were said to have been killed instantly when their vehicle crashed into a bus.
They spent years planning their ill-fated road trip across the United States and posted photos of their travels in the days leading up to the January 27 collision.
The ‘kind and talented’ nurses worked together as they immigrated to the UK from their home country of Portugal.
Online reports indicate that a Jeep crashed into a commercial bus on a state highway in Arizona that serves as the entrance to the Grand Canyon.
Tatiana Brandão (pictured), 30, and Raquel Moreira, 28, are said to have been killed instantly when their vehicle crashed into a bus.
Raquel Moreira, 28, had worked at the hospital for the past five years and was an invaluable part of the stroke team.
Ms. Brandão and Ms. Moreira were pronounced dead at the scene, while Ms. Brandão’s mother-in-law and partner were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
A video montage posted to social media by Ms. Moreira just two days before the accident shows the couple smiling and laughing as they traveled across California, visiting Hollywood and Universal Studios.
Their NHS colleagues at Southampton General Hospital paid tribute to them today.
Gail Byrne, Director of Nursing, said: “The entire nursing family at University Hospital Southampton [NHS Trust] You have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of two very dear colleagues while enjoying a vacation together in the United States.
Their NHS colleagues at Southampton General Hospital paid tribute to them today.
‘Tatiana, 30, joined the trust seven years ago and was a highly respected member of the neurology department.
‘Raquel, 28, had worked at UHS for the last five years and was an invaluable part of the ACP Stroke team.
‘Both had chosen to move from Portugal to join UHS and had brilliant careers ahead of them.
‘The friends were well known for their kindness, empathy and enthusiasm.
‘They were both passionate about nursing and providing the best care for our patients.
Outside of work they shared a love of new experiences, adventure and living life to the fullest.
‘I know I speak for the entire UHS workforce in saying they will be greatly missed. We send our love and condolences to their families at this sad time.”