Two experienced NHS medics and friends who were “well-known for their kindness, empathy and enthusiasm” have been killed instantly following a bus crash at the Grand Canyon in the USA.
Two NHS nurses have been killed in a bus crash in the Grand Canyon in the USA.
Tatiana Brandão, 30, and Raquel Moreira, 28, nurses at Southampton General Hospital are understood to have been killed instantly.
The pair are understood to have moved to the UK from Portugal, and have been described as “kind and talented”.
The two women are understood to have spent years formulating the trip of a lifetime and had been posting updates of their journey in the days leading up to their deaths.
Tributes have begun pouring in for the two nurses, including from their colleagues at Southampton General Hospital.
Chief nursing officer Gail Byrne, said: “The entire nursing family at University Hospital Southampton [NHS Trust] has been left shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of two much-loved colleagues as they enjoyed a holiday together in America.
“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 past five years and was a very valued part of the stroke ACP team.
“Both had chosen to move from Portugal to join UHS and had bright careers ahead of them.
“The friends were well-known for their kindness, empathy and enthusiasm.
“Both were passionate about nursing and providing the very best care for our patients.
“Outside of work they shared a love for new experiences, adventure and living life to the fullest.
“I know I speak on behalf of the entire UHS workforce in saying they will be sorely missed.
“We send our love and condolences to their families at this very sad time.”
The crash is understood to have taken place on January 27 and, according to reports online, saw a Jeep crash into a commercial bus on a state road in Arizona that is the entrance to the Grand Canyon.
Ms Brandão’s mother-in-law and partner were rushed to hospital following the crash.
In the days before the crash they posted pictures of themselves visiting Hollywood and Universal Studios.
