HEARTBROKEN relatives of a brilliant student who died after being struck by a car in Oxford said her death has left them with more questions than answers.
Vandana Singh, 21, died instantly when she was hit by a car on the Oxford-bound A40 on November 12 last year. The former Pate's Grammar School pupil, known to friends as Dana, had been in her third year studying law and was described by Oxford University dons as a "wonderful student".
At her inquest earlier this month coroner Darren Salter heard that Vandana had spent 45 minutes looking up suicide websites on the day before she died.
However, he ruled there was not enough evidence to prove she took her own life, recording an open verdict into her death.
Those who knew Vandana best said there was no way she would have committed suicide – and said her memory should be left untainted by the claim.
Her father Bhanu Singh, who lives in Rowanfield, said: "We have so many unanswered questions. It appears we will never find out the full extent of what happened that night. But we refuse to let 45 minutes spent browsing a few websites define her. She had so much to live for and we don't believe for a moment she took her own life."
Bhanu and his wife Asha said they had been left frustrated by an inability by police to piece together the final details of Vandana's life. It remains unknown how she came to be on her own at the busy dual carriageway nor is it clear who she came into contact with during her final hours.
What was apparent to both friends and family was her love of life. She was looking forward to coming home to Cheltenham the very next day to celebrate religious festival Diwali and had a university squash trip planned later in the week. Beyond that, she had mapped out a high-flying legal career.
Vandana's sister Komal, 24, who was particularly close to her, recounted how they had gone to a friend's house party together on the Saturday night two days before she died. When they parted ways on the Sunday, Vandana promised to be back soon to visit.
Komal said: "From our daily conversations and behaviour that weekend – there was nothing out of the ordinary that would suggest she wanted to take her own life.
"I know her more than anyone else and I know the kind of person she was. She was very thoughtful, caring and not selfish in the slightest. She would not take her life away without thinking of what it would do to me, her family and friends."
Her brother Hitesh Singh, 26, added: "Vandana was a fun-loving, happy person with so much to live for."