Family speak ’empty’ after late author’s dog-walking daughter-in-law was shot and killed along with her 3 golden retrievers

THE family of a woman killed in a car crash say her death leaves a ‘void’ that can never be filled – as the victim has been revealed to be the stepdaughter of a deceased bestselling author.

Olivia Riley, 41, and her golden retrievers died on Saturday after colliding in a row of millionaires in Chelsea, London.

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The driver of the car, a 26-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving before being released on bail.

Olivia’s uncle, Mark Riley, 71, said he became “completely incomprehensible” when he learned of her death.

He told the Daily Mail: “It was something impossible to understand.

“No one should have to go through this.

“As an individual, you simply cannot hope to meet someone who can be so cheerful, full of life and considerate of others.

“She had an infectious sense of humor and was a confidante to everyone in the family.

“This void will never be filled outside of all the fantastic memories.

“She was very exceptional and it was fantastic to be with her.”

And Olivia’s mother-in-law has been confirmed to be the late bestselling author Lucinda Riley who she worked with for many years as a personal assistant.

Lucinda’s Seven Sisters series, which debuted in 2014, has become an international bestseller, with sales of over 20 million.

Olivia was the primary contact for her mother-in-law’s 37 global publishers and managed social media profiles and websites as part of her duties, reports The Telegraph.

Her father Stephen became Lucinda Riley’s manager and literary agent in 2013.

Lucinda’s latest book, The Missing Sister, became a bestseller in the weeks after her death from cancer last year.

Olivia’s neighbors in North Elmham, Norfolk, also paid tribute to her yesterday, describing her as a ‘lovely, talkative’ person who ‘thought of the world of her dogs’.

Police and paramedics were called to Cheyne Walk at 6.21am to report a collision involving a pedestrian, animals and an Audi.

The 41-year-old woman was found dead at the scene on May 14 and her dogs also died from injuries, police said.

A witness to the aftermath described it as “absolute carnage”.

They said on Facebook: “Two dead golden Labradors and one screaming so loud, piercing the chaos all around.

“A lot of blood and several broken cars.

“I have since learned that the owner of the dog died at the scene along with her three dogs.

“RIP lady and her dogs. So very sad. Prayers for your family.

Another passerby wrote on Twitter: “I walked past it right after it happened.

“Absolutely horrifying scene – mangled traffic lights and three dead dogs in the road. Several cars were damaged.”

Police are issuing an urgent appeal for witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to call 101 quoting CAD 1500/14May.

Cheyne Walk is a manor-lined road that stretches alongside the River Thames and has long attracted famous residents such as rock star Sir Mick Jagger.

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