Two NHS nurses who were on their dream vacation to the Grand Canyon were killed in a car accident. Tatiana Brando, 30, and Raquel Moreira, 28, both nurses at Southampton General Hospital, are reported to have died instantaneously when their car collided with a bus.
They had planned their tragic cross-country road trip for years, and in the days leading up to the January 27 crash, they posted photos of their journey.
The ‘nice and talented’ nurses collaborated; they were Portuguese immigrants to the UK.
Online reports indicate that a Jeep collided with a commercial bus on a state highway in Arizona that serves as the Grand Canyon’s main entry.
While Ms Brando’s mother-in-law and partner were taken to the hospital with significant injuries, Ms Brando and Ms Moreira were pronounced dead at the spot.
Just two days prior to the collision, Ms. Moreira shared a video montage on social media that showed the couple having a good time as they traveled throughout California and visited Universal Studios and Hollywood.
At Southampton General Hospital, their NHS coworkers paid them tribute today.
Gail Byrne, chief nursing officer, said: “The tragic deaths of two much-loved colleagues as they enjoyed a holiday together in America have left the entire nursing family at University Hospital Southampton [NHS Trust] shocked and saddened.”
Tatiana, 30, started working for the Trust seven years ago and was a well-liked employee in the neurology division.
The stroke ACP team saw Raquel, 28, who has worked at UHS for the past five years, as a very valued member.
Both had opted to leave Portugal and join UHS, and their futures seemed promising.
The buddies were renowned for their warmth, compassion, and zeal.
“Both were passionate about nursing and giving our patients the best care possible.”
Outside of the workplace, they bonded on their love of adventure, new experiences, and enjoying life to the fullest.
“I know I speak for the entire UHS staff when I say they will be sorely missed,” I declare. In this really sad moment, we extend their families our love and condolences.
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