Suffolk woman killed while walking her three dogs in London was author Lucinda Riley’s daughter

The family of a woman who was hit by a car and killed while walking her three dogs has said her death leaves a ‘void which can never be filled’. 

Olivia Riley died at the scene on Saturday morning after being struck by an Audi TT. 

The 41-year-old, whose stepmother was best-selling author Lucinda Riley, had got up early to take her dogs for a walk after visiting a family property. 

Police were called to Chelsea Embankment next to the Thames in west London at 6.21am.

A 26-year-old man, who suffered minor injuries, was arrested on suspcion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released on bail. 

Miss Riley, from Suffolk, had been helping to manage her stepmother’s literary estate following her death from cancer at the age of 56 last year. 

Her golden retriever, Darcy, and two golden labradors, one of which was called Lily, died from their injuries. 

Olivia Riley (pictured with dogs) died at the scene on Saturday morning after being struck by an Audi TT

Miss Riley, from Suffolk, had been helping to manage her stepmother’s (pictured Lucinda Riley) literary estate following her death from cancer at the age of 56 last year

A 26-year-old man, who suffered minor injuries, was arrested on suspcion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released on bail (pictured the scene of the crash) 

Her uncle Mark Riley, 71, said he was rendered ‘completely incomprehensible’ when he was told about her death. 

He added: ‘It was something that is impossible to comprehend. Nobody should have to go through that at all. 

‘As an individual, you just could not hope to ever meet anybody who could be so joyful, full of life and considerate of others. She had an infectious sense of humour and was a confidante for all the family members. This void is never going to be filled apart from all the fantastic memories. She was very exceptional and was fantastic to be around.’ 

One of the dogs killed in the collision was a young golden retriever bought as a replacement for a border collie that was run over last year. 

Chelsea Embankment runs parallel to Cheyne Walk, which has been home to the likes of Sir Mick Jagger and stretches along the north bank of the Thames.

Residents described hearing a ‘loud bang’ before police and paramedics arrived. 

A mother who recently gave birth to twins said the section of road near Albert Bridge was ‘extremely dangerous’ because it lacks a pedestrian crossing. 

Miss Riley (pictured) worked for many years with her stepmother, who started out as an actress in the 1980s and appeared in the comedy Auf Wiedersehen, Pet

Another neighbour, who was awoken by the sound of the collision, said: ‘There was an enormous amount of hooting and a loud bang. There needs to be a zebra crossing by the bridge.’ 

Miss Riley worked for many years with her stepmother, who started out as an actress in the 1980s and appeared in the comedy Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

But glandular fever put paid to her acting career and she turned her hand to writing. 

Her Seven Sisters series, which began in 2014, became an international best-seller, with sales of more than 20million. 

Mr Riley said of his niece: ‘She organised sense in a chaotic world. [Mrs Riley’s death] is another level of tragedy which is dwarfed now by this.’ 

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: ‘Officers attended along with paramedics from London Ambulance Service. A 41-year-old woman was found dead at the scene. ‘All three dogs have also died as a result of injuries suffered in the collision. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage.’