A BEAUTICIAN died after becoming trapped underwater when the car she was travelling in left the road and smashed into a ditch, an inquest heard.

Kelsie Stevens was thrown out of a Mercedes CLK as it rolled over in Wickford, Essex.

The 19-year-old, who was a passenger, became submerged under the vehicle after it crashed into a water-filled ditch.

An inquest heard how Kelsie was trapped for over an hour before being declared dead at the scene.

The beautician was later identified by her mum, the hearing in Essex was told.

Coroner Michelle Brown said the Mercedes had been travelling between Basildon and Wickford on May 25 when it left the road.

It collided with a street sign and bushes in the early hours of the morning – causing Kelsie to be flung from the vehicle.

Her cause of death was given as “submersion with entrapment”.

A full inquest was adjourned until a later date, with a further hearing scheduled in four months,

Ms Brown said: “I have been asked formally by the police to suspend this inquest for investigations around a potential prosecution, so I hereby formally suspend this inquest.”

Kelsie was described at the time of her death as “beautiful”, “brave”, “strong” and “talented”.

Her family said in a joint statement: “Kelsie was a dearly loved daughter, sister and granddaughter and friend to everyone that knew her.

“Kelsie worked as a lash technician. She enjoyed dancing, horse riding, cooking, baking listening to music and spending her time with her Dachshund.

“We have not made any arrangements at this stage regarding Kelsie’s funeral. All of us will greatly miss Kelsie very much.”

While Amy’s Unisex Hair Salon, where Kelsie worked, said the beautician “would be missed”.

It added: “We will miss your mad ways, the endless cans of red bull floating around the salon and the mad stories you kept us entertained with.

“Our love and thoughts go out to your family and friends. Fly High Beautiful girl.”