The woman killed when the van loaded pavement in Aldwich in central London was named 20-year-old Arya Mahomed.
She was declared dead at the scene near King's College London around noon on Tuesday morning.
In a statement issued through Metropolitan Police, her family described her as “a bright, kind and beautiful soul.”
Another 27-year-old woman injured in the collision remains in hospital in serious condition. Her injuries are not considered life-threatening. A 23-year-old man was taken to the hospital and was later discharged.
The driver of a dark grey Ford Transit van was arrested on suspicion of causing death by inadvertent driving. The 26-year-old man was again arrested in custody on suspicion of a drug driving crime. He was released on bail as police continue to investigate.
Ch Supt Thomas Naughton, The Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command, described it as “a complex investigation.”
He states: “Our team continues to establish facts about this very upsetting incident. The investigation remains in the early stages, with officers continuing to collect CCTV and obtain witness statements from people on the ground.”
Police said the incident was not treated as terrorist-related.
A statement from Mahomed's family said: “Arya is a bright, kind and beautiful soul, bringing joy and laughter to everyone. She is the sunlight in our lives and is deeply overlooked by all her family and friends.
“Her light always lives in our memories, and as we overcome these difficult times, her smile becomes our strength.”
Specialized liaison officers support the family.
DCI Christina Jessa urged the public for posting false theories online about the incident.
She said: “We know of inaccurate speculation online about the incident being terrorism-related. We ask the public to refrain from this speculation in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and to avoid causing further suffering to the family.”
