Wiltshire Man Jailed After Woman, 22, Dies Falling from Quad Bike
Tragic Quad Bike Fall on Whitehouse Lane
On December 23, 2023, 31-year-old Alex Evans was riding a single-seat quad bike near Shipton Moyne with 22-year-old Grace “Gracie” Vater perched side-saddle on the rear rack. As they travelled along Whitehouse Lane, Gracie fell onto the road, suffering a catastrophic head injury.
Witnesses say she was breathing but unresponsive. Passersby rushed to help, performing CPR until emergency services arrived. Tragically, Gracie passed away two days later at 7 PM on Christmas Day at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Evans Flees Scene After Crash
Instead of staying with Gracie, Evans fled the scene — a move Judge Rupert Lowe slammed as “cowardly and shameful.”
Evans admitted he panicked because he was driving while disqualified—banned just two months earlier for cannabis driving. Police later found the quad bike stashed behind a pallet door in a lean-to building.
Evans Sentenced for Dangerous Driving
Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, Evans pleaded guilty to:
- Causing death by dangerous driving
- Driving while disqualified and uninsured
At Gloucester Crown Court on February 13, he was sentenced to two years in prison (to run concurrently) and banned from driving for six years. He must serve at least half his sentence and pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence.
Heartbreaking Family Tribute
“She was always so kind and friendly to everyone she met. Caring, thoughtful, generous, bubbly, and happy all the time. She’d do anything for anyone. Gracie was my best friend. The hole her death has left in my life is profound.” – Angela Vater, Gracie’s mother
Angela also expressed outrage at Evans: “Alex was welcomed into our family, but how he acted after the crash makes me incredibly angry and upset. To leave her like that is unforgivable.”
Unsafe Riding and Hidden Driving Ban
The court heard that Evans regularly carried Gracie on the quad bike’s rear rack, despite it being designed for only one rider. Judge Lowe emphasised Evans’ full responsibility as the driver.
Evans’ barrister claimed he didn’t realise the risks and “would never have allowed it” if he had.
Evans was already disqualified due to a cannabis driving conviction in April 2023 but hid this from his employer to keep his farm job and accommodation, continuing to drive illegally.
A Life Cut Short, A Stark Warning
Gracie’s tragic death has left a void in her family’s lives and stands as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of reckless, irresponsible driving.
⚠️ This is a developing story — updates to follow. ⚠️
