Young Couple’s Fatal Crash May Have Been Caused by Police Tail
Tragic Crash Near Appleby
A young couple from Wigan and Warrington died after their van smashed into a tree near Kings Meaburn. Ryan Duffy, 24, and Ellie Marsden, 20, were found dead inside their vehicle in the early hours of 5 September 2021. They had spent the night socialising in Appleby, visiting a hotel and the Hare & Hounds pub before heading back to their van after midnight.
Police Car Seen Following Couple Before Crash
CCTV footage shown at the inquest reveals a Cumbria Police vehicle closely following their van as they left Appleby town centre. Additional clips from a service station near Burrells show the police car still tailing them near the spot where the crash happened. Police stopped following about 170 yards before the fatal collision.
Speed, Intoxication and Distraction to Blame
Collision investigator PS Steven Wakefield told the court the van was driving at around 40mph — under the 60mph limit but near the maximum safe speed for the bend. Toxicology tests found drugs and alcohol in the driver’s system. PS Wakefield said the most likely cause was “late steering inappropriate to the speed of the van,” caused by intoxication or distraction.
Police Presence May Have Distracted Driver
PC Craig Stevensen admitted under questioning that being followed by a police car could have distracted Ryan and Ellie, contributing to the crash. The investigation is ongoing as the inquest tries to piece together all the factors surrounding the tragedy.
The heartbreaking deaths have devastated two families, with the court continuing to probe the full story behind the fatal crash.
