THE family of a woman who died in a car crash near Tiverton last month have paid tribute to her. 

Iris Amelia Wotton, who was in her 60s, had been travelling to see her grandchildren at a local pony club event on Sunday, May 26. 

Police were called at around 11am to reports of a collision on the A361 involving two Land Rover Discovery vehicles. 

Mrs Wotton had been the driver of one of the vehicles and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The driver of the other vehicle, a man in his 60s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.  

He has been released on police bail, pending further enquiries. 

“Iris was a most beloved mother to three, and grandmother to six,” her family said. 

“She was a keen and respected horsewoman enjoying nothing more than training, breeding and riding her and her family’s horses and ponies. 

“This incident leaves a profound and deep sense of loss and sadness acutely felt by her immediate family.  

“The family are further moved to now understand how widely her loss is being felt within the rural community that she lived and worked in her whole life.  

“Be it building and growing the respected removal and haulage company her and her husband had started, tending to her flock of sheep at the family home in the hills above Tiverton, or through her love of horses, it has become apparent how many people thoroughly enjoyed a good chat with Iris.  

“Iris’s passion for horses was evident in her work with Tiverton Pony Club where as District Commissioner, she was able to nurture and encourage young children to become the next generation of successful horsemen and women.  

“This role saw her recognised for 30 years of service within the Pony Club. A legacy her family were so proud of, and she felt so passionate about.  

“Iris’s passing is truly heartbreaking, and she leaves behind a loving family who miss her at every moment of their days.  

“She has achieved such a lot, but was determined to do more even in her later years, and left the family home on a Sunday morning looking forward to a great family day out with the ponies.  

“She never arrived and that time has been taken away from us.”