"She was so nice": Rotherham woman killed in horror crash named as Sophie Murphy as tributes pour in
“She was so nice, she made everyone laugh.”
A young woman killed in a Rotherham horror crash has been named as her parents issue a moving tribute to her.
Sophie Murphy was killed in collision on Penny Hilll Lane, Thurcroft, in the early hours of Sunday, October 25.
A black Volkswagen Passat, travelling towards Thurcoft, spun off the road and collided with a telegraph pole.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and have since been bailed.
Tributes have been paid to Sophie following her death, with flowers left outside the cafe her family owned and where she was a much-cherished member of the community.
In a statement Sophie’s parents, Alan and Karen Parker, said: “She was the life and soul of the cafe. She was so nice, she made everyone laugh.
“She was sarcastic and they all loved her for it.
“She gave everybody nicknames and called them by that. It’s unbelievable how much they loved her.”
Tributes were also paid to Sophie from her loving nan and grandad, as well as by her two older brothers Keiran and AJ.
The family have run Murphy’s cafe at Sycamore Centre, Eastwood, for just over a year, but expect to reopen on Monday having shut since the tragic accident.
Tributes have also been paid to Sophie online.
Neal Jones said: “R.I.P Sophie so sad, such a waste of a young life, my heart breaks for your family and close friends.”
Lisa Ballard added: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the poor girl.”
Police were called to the incident at 1.29am on Sunday, and Sophie was pronounced dead at the scene.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Her family have been informed and are being supported by our family liaison officers.
“Three people were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and have since been released on bail.
“Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicle before the collision, or the collision itself, to come forward.”
Call 101 and quote incident number 100 of October 25, 2026.