Tributes paid to former Ellesmere swimmer, 18, after house fire death
Eighteen-year-old Tazmin Pugh was killed in a house fire in Worcester.
A former European junior swimming champion described as "an outstanding young woman" has died in a house fire.
Tazmin Pugh, 18, had attended Ellesmere College, was part of the Ellesmere Titans team, and won a European championship medal.
The teenager died, along with a 21-year-old man, in a house fire on the A44 between Cotheridge and Broadwas near Worcester on Sunday evening.
Tributes have since been paid to Tazmin, who held British junior records in both the 50 metre and 100 metre butterfly.
Ellesmere Titans coach John Pardoe described her as a fantastic swimmer and said she could have represented her country at the next Olympic Games.
Brendan Wignall, Headmaster of Ellesmere College said there was shock at the death of the former student, who left the college two years ago.
He said: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to Tazmin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
"It was with great sadness that we received the news of Tazmin’s death and I know that many will be deeply shocked at the passing of one so young and with their whole life ahead of them.
"Despite leaving Ellesmere College two years ago, Taz is still remembered by many, both within the school and by those who were her peers.
"Taz was a very talented swimmer but, more importantly, an outstanding young woman with an effervescent personality, who was a friend to so many."
Mr Pardoe added: "She was always a positive, enthusiastic, bubbly character."
"She gave up a year ago but I have no doubt if she had carried on swimming she would have qualified for the next Olympics, she was a fantastic swimmer."
The fire was first reported when paramedics in a passing ambulance spotted the blaze, with fire crews and police called to the house at around 8pm.
Seven fire engines carrying 30 firefighters were sent to the scene.
Crews found two people inside, but nothing could be done to save them.
A cordon was in place around the property on Monday morning where fire investigators were at the scene. However the cause of the fire is not yet known.
Further tributes have been paid to the swimmer on social media.
Ellesmere Titans posted on Twitter: "No words can say what your titans family are feeling, thoughts are with everyone who’s life you touched #RIPTaz."
