Teen killed in crash just days after passing driving test

A 17 year old boy who had recently passed his driving test died instantly after his car left the road on a rural Devon road, an inquest[1] has heard. Archie Harris lost his life on the A3072 near his home in Holsworthy after losing control of his Ford Fiesta while navigating a bend at excessive speed. The teenager was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Archie's car veered off the road, struck a tree and came to rest nose down in a gully. He died instantly on May 26, 2024 - only 11 days after he got his driving licence. At the inquest into his death, Archie, a former pupil at Holsworthy's primary and secondary schools, was fondly described by his parents as "the life and soul" of any gathering.

Those closest to him said his sudden and tragic passing has left a "massive void" in their lives. The inquest revealed that on the day of the crash, Archie had met up with a group of friends at the Memorial Hall car park in Holsworthy before driving in a three-car convoy to The Bickford Arms, a few miles away on the A3072, reports Devon Live. The group enjoyed a game of pool at the pub before departing, reports the Mirror[2].

One of Archie's friends recalled how thrilled he had been about finally obtaining his driving licence and the independence it brought. The group left the pub shortly before 4pm, with Archie's Ford Focus at the rear of the convoy. Witnesses travelling in the opposite direction on the road that day told the inquest they had observed vehicles driving "recklessly" at speed around a bend.

A witness described how the tragic collision occurred. She dialled 999 after observing the third vehicle, which was moments behind the others, veering around the bend before overturning and ending up in a gully at the roadside. Archie had been thrown from the vehicle and was tragically declared deceased by paramedics at the scene at 4.39pm.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died from multiple injuries. No alcohol was detected in his system and his mobile phone was discovered in his pocket. Collision investigators informed the inquest there were no faults with the vehicle or adverse weather conditions.

It was probable that Archie was travelling at a speed far exceeding the 60mph limit. He lost control of the car while approaching a bend at Blakea Bridge. Archie's companions stopped after noticing his absence and only became aware of the crash when they spotted police cordoning off the road.

Coroner Alison Longhorn stated it was determined that Archie was travelling in excess of 80mph, without wearing a seatbelt and beyond his level of competence when he lost grip and spun out of control. She concluded that death resulted from a road traffic collision. Family members, who were present at the hearing, expressed gratitude to the emergency services and all those who had supported them throughout this tragedy.

His mother Georgina said in a statement that Archie, who was employed as a builder's labourer, always relished banter with his mates and possessed "confidence in abundance" and "swagger to complement it". "He was always polite and spoke to anyone," she said. "He never felt embarrassed and had a large friendship group. This has left his family and friends with a massive void. He was such a large character who wore his heart on his sleeve, We now have to learn to live with the emptiness it brings.

"Unfortunately road traffic deaths continue to happen.

There will always be people in our situation coping with the aftermath.

One day there might be a solution so no one has to go through what we have to."

References

1. ^ inquest (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
2. ^ the Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)