A young driver and two passengers died after his car crashed into a tree in Penkridge. Speed and lack of seatbelts may have factored in the crash.
Dafydd lost control of his Ford Ka on a humpback bridge, causing the car to hit a tree. This fatal crash took place last year on May 25 at 11:47 pm in Staffordshire. Dafydd had obtained his license in late November 2023.
Before picking up his friends, Dafydd filmed himself, expressing concern that he was speeding at 90 mph in a 70 mph zone. He drove from Tanyfron, Wales, and subsequently picked up Morgan in Penkridge. Morgan wasn’t feeling well when Sophie and Brooke joined them for a drive.
Sophie and Brooke were not wearing seatbelts, while Morgan only used the shoulder strap, sitting on top of the lap belt. Sophie’s videos showed her in the rear middle seat. The road’s speed limit was 60 mph.
Dafydd, unfamiliar with the road, lost control “at speed” on the bridge. The car hit a grass verge and then a tree. Dafydd and Morgan died at the scene, while Sophie died later in the hospital from a traumatic brain injury.
Brooke survived with severe injuries and regrets not wearing her seatbelt, explaining that it was dark and she couldn’t find it. She recalled feeling a “rollercoaster feeling” before the crash, after which she blacked out. Brooke felt scared about Dafydd’s speed and asked him to slow down.
Her phone app recorded a maximum speed of 85 mph during the 15-minute drive, although the court couldn’t verify the app’s accuracy. Dafydd’s mom, Paula Craven-Jones, stated that she wasn’t worried about his driving because his car had insurance and a full MOT. Police found no car defects that caused the crash.
Dafydd had no drugs or alcohol in his system and wasn’t using his phone. There had been three serious crashes there since 2017, including another fatal crash in January 2024. Hazard reports were sent to highway officials.
Officials saw no issues with speed or the road but would improve road markings and signs. The coroner was concerned no action had been taken and will issue a report urging improvements. The coroner ruled the deaths a road traffic collision.
According to the coroner, Dafydd lost control and hit a tree and a rear passenger without a seatbelt hit the driver’s seat. This likely worsened Dafydd’s injuries. She also mentioned a prior fatal crash in January 2024. The coroner noted the hazard reports and will report her concerns to highway officials, as officials consider enhancing signs and road markings.
Brooke issued a statement after her friends’ deaths, expressing sadness over losing “amazing people”. She described Sophie as kind and someone who lived life fully, stating that Sophie is her inspiration to improve and live for her and that she will stay in her heart forever.
Brooke remembered Morgan as funny, respectful and kind, and that he always looked out for her. Dafydd had a kind soul and loved his friends.
