Smiler Crash Couple Say ‘I Do’ After Tragic Theme Park Horror
Teenagers’ Rollercoaster Nightmare Ends in Love
Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were just teenagers when they endured the terrifying Smiler rollercoaster crash in 2015. The horrific smash left Leah with her leg amputated and Joe with shattered knees. Despite the trauma, the pair have now marked a joyous milestone — they’re officially engaged!
Engagement Sparks Social Media Buzz
Leah posted a photo flashing her sparkling engagement ring on Instagram, captioning it: “So this happened yesterday… I SAID YES.” Joe shared the happy news too, writing: “What a great end to a long weekend in Venice… SHE SAID YES.” Their heartfelt posts attracted thousands of likes from fans thrilled by their love story.
Tragic Crash That Shook Staffordshire
Leah and Joe, both from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, were among 16 people injured when two carriages collided on the Smiler ride in June 2015. Five suffered serious injuries. An official inquiry blamed human error at the Staffordshire theme park.
Legal Wrangles and Heavy Fines
Merlin Entertainments, the ride’s owner, admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act and was slapped with a hefty £5 million fine in 2016. Leah and fellow victim Vicky Balch, who also lost a leg, later announced plans to sue Merlin for negligence and breach of statutory duty.
From devastating injury to engagement joy, Leah and Joe’s journey proves love can triumph even the darkest ordeals.
