Soldier on leave dies and girlfriend suffers broken back in car smash Fusilier Tony Emery, 24, was killed in Bolton, Greater Manchester Girlfriend Paige Palmer suffered a broken neck, hip and pelvis in the crash BMW driver arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving Paige posted pictures from her bed at Salford Royal Hospital The aspiring model paid tribute to 'my soldier' and said she will miss him Police have arrested a motorist after a young British soldier on home leave from Afghanistan died in the arms of his girlfriend in a horror road smash. Fusilier Tony Emery, 24, was with aspiring model Paige Palmer when his red VW Golf overturned on a dual carriageway and plunged into a ditch. The squaddie suffered fatal injuries in the impact and died at the scene. Miss Palmer, 20, suffered a broken neck, hip and pelvis in the crash and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but is now recovering. Injured: Miss Palmer, 20, suffered a broken neck, hip and pelvis in the crash and was rushed to hospital Soldier: Fusilier Tony Emery, 24, was with aspiring model Paige Palmer when his red VW Golf overturned Crash: Paige Palmer in hospital and with her father (right) after the crash that killed her boyfriend Tony Emery Officers investigating the crash on the Northbound A666 at Kearsley, near Bolton, Greater Manchester, detained the 22-year old driver of a BMW on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but he was released on bail until March 11. Today, Paige posted a series of pictures from her bed at Salford Royal Hospital showing herself wearing a neckbrace. She also posted a number of pictures of her boyfriend and paid tribute to him. She said: 'I should have died with him. The police said I was in his arms. It is not fair I miss him. Thanks everyone. Love u all for being there for me. In another message she said: 'RIP my soldier, we should have died together at least I got my last cuddle with you, seems not real all this I will miss you forever Tony rip.' Fusilier Emery, who served with B Company, Second Fusiliers, had been on three tours, including Afghanistan and Iraq, but returned to his home town of Westhoughton before Christmas. It is believed he was due to return to duty later this month. Miss Palmer (pictured with her mother in hospital) has posted tributes on Facebook Paige's mother Karla, 44, said: 'Paige and Tony weren't going out but they were very good friends. He had only just bought the car a few days beforehand, he loved his cars, he was kitting it out and that day he was coming back to fit the wheels - he was looking forward to doing it up. She added: 'I loved Tony to bits. If you ever needed anything he would be their to help you. He was always very happy, he used to love his bobble hats and onesies. 'He always said and I know it sounds creepy but he used to say about funerals, "no suits" and "I don't want no suits." Now we have got to say bye to Tony now. 'We call the road the Devil Road because it's the A666 and it has taken people's lives. Paige said a BMW undertook them on the left hand side and then braked. Tony had to try and turn out of the way but his car has gone to the side and hit a post. Apparently the other driver was test driving the BMW. They had to sedate Paige whilst they cut her free and it took them an hour to get her out. She can't recall that I don't think she even knew where she was 'Myself and Paige's father later had to break the news to her about Tony. She keeps saying "why aren't I dead, why have I survived." Everybody has been at her bedside. Hopefully she will get up and walking after the operation but it's going to take a long time. As long as she doesn't move her neck. Her arms and mouth are working fine. She is very lucky to be alive. Nobody understands why she survived that crash. Tony loved the army and fought for our country everywhere and it isn terrible to think he lost of his life back in the UK. Nobody expects to bury their child. You have to prepare yourself when they go to war and you know that's what they have to do but not on the streets when they are home.' Paige's friend Kimberley Jones said: 'They were really good friends and were just starting to get to know each other. They did like each other but they were both being a bit cautious. He spend Christmas with her. She said she wishes she had died with him and that she wishes it was her not him. Police said the tragedy occurred at 11.10am on Monday. Emergency services attended and found that the Golf had overturned and crashed into a lamp post at the side of the road with the two occupants trapped inside. Firefighters had to cut both casualties from the wreckage. One local said: 'The first I knew of it was when I looked out of my window after hearing lots of sirens. It was difficult to tell what had happened but I feared the worst due to the large amount of emergency vehicles on the A666. It is really sad to hear that a life has been lost. Emily Williams, 18, said: 'I was with my friend and her mum and we saw two fire engines and the car was completely crushed. The crash looked awful, the car was all crumpled. We were quite shaken up. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said two fire engines and a technical response unit were sent to the crash. The air ambulance was also scrambled but was not used. Phil Hart, headmaster at Westhoughton High School where Mr Emery was a pupil said: 'We are deeply sorry to hear about the tragic death of one of our former students. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. Fusilier Emery's commanding officer, Lt Col Jim Taylor, from the Second Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, said: 'Fusilier Tony Emery served with B Company, Second Fusiliers, where he was universally popular and much liked by his peers and his chain of command. 'He will forever be remembered': Tony Emery's commanding officer, Lt Col Jim Taylor, paid tribute to the 'popular' soldier. He said his life was 'tragically cut short' and he will be remembered by his regimental family He will forever be remembered by his regimental family. Tony's life has been tragically cut short and our most sincere sympathies and condolences are with his family and friends. He will be painfully missed by everyone in the Second Fusiliers. He was a committed son, brother, uncle and soldier. Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier. Local Labour councillor David Chadwick said: 'I am very sad that around Christmas and New Year, the family find themselves in a situation where a son has died in these circumstances. It must be incredibly difficult for them. I cannot imagine what the grief must be like to lose a son or daughter. I send heartfelt sympathies to the family. The northbound carriageway was closed for more than four hours while police investigated the cause of the crash, causing major delays on a number of routes into Bolton. Miss Palmer posted: 'RIP my soldier, we should have died together at least I got my last cuddle with you'