Jacob Crawshaw’s parents plea after son killed in A14 crash
Jacob, who was 19 when he died, was a passenger in a work van when his colleague crashed into the back of a lorry on the A14 in October 2021, killing Jacob.
The driver, Christopher Hicks, had been speeding and was jailed for causing death by dangerous driving.
10 minutes before he died, Jacob had sent a text to a friend to tell them that he felt unsafe in the van.
Now, his parents, James and Tracey Crawshaw, have written an open letter about the death of their son.
James and Tracey Crawshaw. (Image: Crawshaw Family)
“If you feel unsafe as a passenger in a vehicle, please let someone know and ask the driver to pull over, says Tracey.
“To those who speed, take drugs, use their mobile phone or drink alcohol before driving we plead with you to reconsider your actions.
“Jacob’s life was so precious and he is missed every second of every day and it could have been prevented.”
The family also want to thank the town of St Neots, who have supported them over the last two years.
The Crawshaw Family. (Image: Crawshaw Family)
“Within hours of Jacob’s death the town of St Neots rallied around us, tributes were made online, we received over 100 sympathy cards and numerous messages.
“Further tributes were made at local football matches at the clubs he played for and Hunts FA where he was a referee, the schools he attended and workplaces.
“The local community lined the streets for Jacob’s funeral procession as it passed Longsands the school Jacob had attended up until a few months before.
“In an amazing act of kindness we received food for eight weeks.
“Flowers and hampers filled our home and lifted us during the darkest few weeks of our lives; given to us by friends and strangers.
“Local businesses offered services to us and his friends, free of charge, when they became aware of our family, which is credit to the town we live in and its generosity.
“St Neots Town Football Club and Eynesbury Rovers Football Clubs generously hosted the Memorial Football matches which have raised over £12,000 for the Road Victims Trust, who have provided invaluable support and counselling to us as a family and Jacob’s friends.
“We would like to again thank the community of St Neots for donating the raffle prizes for the first match and for attending the matches.
Jacob Crawshaw. (Image: Crawshaw Family)
“Credit should be given to the young men and women who knew Jacob (many of which played in or attended the matches).
“They have stopped in the street to speak to us or messaged and as parents you should be very proud that they have stepped out in their grief and supported us.
“There are so many other people we could name and this is a public thank you to everyone, without this support it would have been so much harder.”
Recommended Reading: Jacob Crawshaw death: Christopher Hicks crashed on A14[1]
References
- ^ Recommended Reading: Jacob Crawshaw death: Christopher Hicks crashed on A14 (www.huntspost.co.uk)