In a heartbreaking twist of fate, Edward Spencer, a 19-year-old who caused the tragic deaths of three friends in a car crash, had previously promised one of the victims’ fathers that he would drive carefully.
The promise came just weeks before the deadly crash occurred, and his actions have since left a community grieving.
The Tragic Crash and its Aftermath
On that fateful day in April 2023, Spencer was behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta, transporting his friends—including 16-year-old Matilda “Tilly” Seccombe—back from school.
Spencer lost control of the vehicle on a bend and collided head-on with a Fiat, resulting in the deaths of Tilly, along with twin Harry Purcell and fellow student Frank Wormald.
Three others in the Fiat were seriously injured.
James Seccombe, Tilly’s father, recalled how just days before the crash, his daughter had expressed concerns about Spencer’s driving.
“Tilly had been worried about how Spencer was driving but didn’t want to make a fuss,” he said.
“She knew if she had, we would have stopped her from getting in the car with him.”
It became clear after her death that Spencer’s driving habits had been a source of concern for her.
A Promise Broken
Tilly’s parents, who had only recently gotten to know Spencer, had spoken to him about driving safely, especially with friends in the car.
James Seccombe remembers telling Spencer face-to-face in their home, “Please, be careful when you’re driving with others.”
Spencer had assured him that he would be. Tragically, the promise was not kept.
After the crash, Spencer, who had only passed his driving test five weeks prior, was handed an interim driving ban. He admitted to charges of causing the deaths and serious injuries by careless driving.
The court proceedings revealed that Spencer had not shown remorse and had even resumed a normal life, working at a timber yard near the Seccombe home.
The family described how this added to their pain, especially since Spencer was so close to their home and, at times, “appeared to carry on as if nothing had happened.”
The Push for Graduated Driving Licenses
In the wake of this tragedy, James and Juliet Seccombe, Tilly’s mother, have become advocates for change in the way new drivers are licensed.
They are part of a campaign for “graduated driving licenses,” which would impose certain restrictions on new drivers, such as banning them from carrying young passengers for the first six months after passing their test.
They argue that such restrictions would have prevented the crash that took their daughter’s life.
“Had there been a law that stopped young drivers from carrying passengers for the first six months, Tilly would still be here today,” said Juliet.
“It’s difficult to comprehend why the government isn’t doing more to prevent these tragedies.”
A Larger Problem
The Seccombes’ advocacy for stricter rules for new drivers is a sentiment echoed by many others who have lost loved ones to accidents involving young, inexperienced drivers.
A growing number of families are joining the “Forget Me Not Families Uniting” campaign, calling for a stronger emphasis on road safety for new drivers.
Despite the pressure, the government has yet to introduce stricter measures, and families like the Seccombes continue to push for change.
In addition to their own grief, the Seccombes’ story is just one example of a larger issue.
A recent tragic incident near Shifnal, Shropshire, claimed the lives of three more teenagers, further highlighting the risks young drivers face.
The Seccombes’ call for graduated licenses and stricter regulations could be the key to reducing such tragedies in the future.
What Lies Ahead
While the Seccombes’ fight for justice continues, they remain heartbroken by the loss of their daughter and the circumstances surrounding her death.
They hope that their advocacy will lead to meaningful changes in the law that will prevent other families from experiencing the same pain they have endured.
The Seccombes are determined to ensure that Tilly’s death was not in vain and that her story will inspire changes that could save countless young lives in the future.