A 21-year-old beauty queen died after being crushed by her own car while unloading belongings outside her student accommodation in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, an inquest has heard.
Eleisha Skinner, a social work student at Buckinghamshire New University and Miss Faversham 2022, was unpacking her parked vehicle when it began to roll toward her, pinning her against a wall. Her housemates rushed outside to help and eventually freed her before emergency services arrived.
The young woman remained conscious while trapped and managed to call for help. Rescue teams transported her to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where she died three days later on January 8, 2026, with her family by her side.
A post-mortem examination determined her cause of death as anoxic brain injury from asphyxia compression. Senior coroner Crispin Butler opened an inquest at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court and scheduled a full hearing for June 23, 2026.
The accident occurred during severe winter conditions. Eleisha’s family described it as “an unforeseeable incident involving a parked vehicle” amidst treacherous, icy weather. She fought bravely in hospital but, due to a lack of oxygen to her brain, never regained consciousness. She passed peacefully while listening to “Beautiful” by One Direction.
Her devastated parents Nigel and Clare Skinner released a heartfelt statement: “We are utterly devastated by the sudden loss of our precious girl. Writing these words feels unimaginable, yet we want the world to know who she truly was: a kind, selfless, passionate young woman who always put others before herself.”
The family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance Service, which responded to the emergency.
“With the amazing response of the emergency services, we were able to spend her last few days with her,” Eleisha’s parents wrote. “The air ambulance doctor was fantastic. We would like to raise funds in Eleisha’s name to support this charity.”
Eleisha won the Miss Faversham crown in 2022 and became a beloved figure in her hometown. She was later voted Miss Congeniality by the courts at the Miss Kent Dinner—an accolade her family called “a true reflection of her kind spirit.” After her win, she raised funds for local organizations and joined community events throughout her reign.
The Faversham Carnival Club described her as “a fantastic ambassador for Faversham and a truly lovely girl.” The organization added, “Eleisha will be missed by so many.”
At the time of her death, Eleisha was pursuing a degree in social work, dreaming of making a real difference in children’s lives. Buckinghamshire New University announced she will be posthumously awarded a BSc with honours in social work, recognizing her academic achievements and dedication to the field.
Friends and family remembered Eleisha as someone who always put others first. Her parents said nothing was ever too much for their daughter, who had “a heart of gold and a smile that could light up any room.”
From a young age, Eleisha was active and adventurous. She excelled in water polo at her local swimming club and competed in synchronized swimming at the Kent Championships. At 18, she became a volunteer coach, taking great joy in helping younger swimmers build confidence. She was also a talented horse rider who won numerous equestrian events over the years.
At The Abbey School, she served as head student in the Sixth Form, became a vocal member of the school council, and worked as a peer mentor. Whether organizing the school prom or fundraising for the Faversham Fire Brigade, her leadership and warmth shone through.
Though her family initially felt surprised when she decided to enter the Miss Faversham pageant, they soon recognized how perfectly it suited her personality. She used the platform to give back to her community, embodying the warmth and dedication that defined her short life.
A celebration of life took place on February 6, 2026, at St Mary of Charity Church in Faversham, where approximately 450 mourners gathered to pay their respects. Her coffin was carried by horse and carriage past her former school, The Abbey, along East Street before reaching the church.
Mourners honored Eleisha’s memory by wearing pink ties, her favorite color. The traditional ceremony heard tributes from family members, best friends, and former teachers.
Her older brother Kian delivered a moving eulogy: “I stand here today as a proud brother who witnessed Eleisha develop into a brilliant woman. There will never be a person who can replace my little sister.”
Rev. Corcoran, reading on behalf of the Skinner family, reflected on Eleisha’s love for Christmas, fashion, and her family: “Eleisha was the kind of person who made the world greater, just by being in it. Her impact was immense.”
The tragedy has deeply affected Faversham, where residents remember Eleisha not just as a beauty queen, but as a selfless young woman whose genuine compassion touched countless lives. In 2023, she had met the love of her life, Max, who quickly became part of her devoted family.
The Faversham Carnival Club emphasized that Eleisha created lasting memories during her time as Miss Faversham. The organization expressed condolences to her family and friends, noting that she will be missed by the entire community.
Her mother Clare Skinner expressed gratitude “for all the support, kind words and donations from people that knew and did not know Eleisha.”
“Eleisha will forever remain in our hearts,” the family said, “our beautiful princess, whose love and light will never fade.”