![](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/02/10/14/newFile-3.jpg?width=1200&auto=webp)
Grieving colleagues have paid tribute to two “much loved” NHS nurses killed in a car crash while on holiday.
Tatiana Brandão and Raquel Moreira had spent years planning the once-in-a-lifetime trip across the United States and had shared photos from their travels before the ill-fated road trip on 27 January.
The friends, who both worked at University Hospital Southampton, were visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, when the fatal collision occurred.
![](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/01/31/00/Colorado_River_Water_Cuts_49272.jpg)
The pair are said to have been killed instantly when their vehicle smashed into a bus.
Ms Brandão, 30, and Ms Moreira, 28, were declared dead at the scene, while Ms Brandão’s mother-in-law and partner were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
A video posted to social media by Ms Moreira in the days leading up to the crash showed the pair smiling and laughing as they travelled across California.
In a statement shared on Friday, Ms Brandão and Ms Moreira’s NHS co-workers paid tribute to them.
![](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/02/10/14/Tatiana.jpeg)
Gail Byrne, chief nursing officer at University Hospital Southampton, said: “The entire nursing family at University Hospital Southampton has been left shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of two much-loved colleagues as they enjoyed a holiday together in America.
“Tatiana, 30, joined the Trust seven years ago and was a highly respected member of the neurology department.
“Raquel, 28, had worked at UHS for the past five years and was a very valued part of the stroke ACP team. Both had chosen to move from Portugal to join UHS and had bright careers ahead of them.
![](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/02/10/14/Raquel.jpeg)
“The friends were well-known for their kindness, empathy and enthusiasm.
“Both were passionate about nursing and providing the very best care for our patients. Outside of work they shared a love for new experiences, adventure and living life to the fullest.
“I know I speak on behalf of the entire UHS workforce in saying they will be sorely missed. We send our love and condolences to their families at this very sad time.”