Girl, 17, and two teen pals died in horror crash when car slammed into tree on night out, inquest told
A TEEN girl and her two pals died in a horror crash when their car smashed into a tree, an inquest heard today.
Sophie Bates, 17, was in the back seat of the Ford Ka when the horror unfolded in Penkridge, Staffordshire, on May 25.
Driver Dafydd Craven-Jones, 18, and front-seat passenger Morgan Jones, 17, were also killed in the tragedy.
Fellow friend Brooke Varley, 17, survived the crash and is now recovering at home.
An inquest heard today how Sophie died from a traumatic brain injury, while Morgan suffered a severe head injury.
Dafydd’s cause of death has not yet been established, the court was told.
A full inquest was adjourned by Emma Serrano, area coroner for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, while police investigations continue.
Brave Brooke previously paid tribute to her “amazing” friends in a moving tribute.
The teen said: “Sophie was the kindest person who lived her life to the fullest.
“She is my inspiration to get better and do everything she didn’t get a chance to do. She will forever be in my heart.
“Morgan was one of the funniest people I know. He was always respectful, kind and sweet. He always looked out for me.
“Daf had a kind soul and loved his friends. I’m thinking of their families at this sad time and everyone who is affected by this tragic incident.”
The horror crash took place after the two boys travelled 60 miles from Wrexham, North Wales, to see the girls for a night out.
Sophie died three days later in hospital, while Dafydd and Morgan were declared dead at the scene.
Her family paid tribute to the “best big sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to many” who was “full of fun and beyond witty”.
They added: “Our darling girl Sophie, will be sorely missed and loved eternally.
“Forever in our hearts, 17…always.”
Dafydd’s family said he was “a beautiful soul” who was the “baby of the family”.
While Morgan’s family described him as “a very popular young man” and talented sportsman”.
