A young man and woman were killed when a car 'travelling at high speed' hit a stationary digger on a main road in Manchester, a court heard today (August 25). Natasha Denman, 24, and Jack Cartwright, 23, both died at the scene of the smash in Gorton earlier this month.
Inquests opened at Manchester Coroner's Court
Inquests into their deaths were opened and adjourned separately during short hearings at Manchester Coroner's Court on Tuesday morning. Area coroner for Manchester, Jessica Swift, was told the collision happened at roadworks on the A57 Hyde Road in Gorton on August 5.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9.35pm. Both Ms Denman, of Aylesbury Avenue, Manchester, and Mr Cartwright, of Schools Road, Manchester, were sadly pronounced dead at the scene, the court was told. Previously, Greater Manchester Police said four people were in the car at the time.
Police confirm car was 'travelling at high speed'
In a statement read out by the coroner at the hearings, police coroner's officer Liz Davis confirmed their dates of birth and next of kin. Both Ms Denman and Stockport-born Mr Cartwright were said to be unemployed. In the statement, Ms Davis said Mr Cartwright was a near side rear passenger and Manchester-born Ms Denman was an offside rear passenger in the car when it crashed.
The coroner's officer said the car was 'travelling at high speed' before it 'crashed into plant machinery at roadworks'. Both were identified initially at the scene by police officers from their driving licences, the court heard.
Criminal investigations ongoing
Coroner Ms Swift said there were 'ongoing criminal investigations' and suspended the inquests pending the outcome of them. She went on to send her 'profound condolences' to the family and friends of both Ms Denman and Mr Cartwright.
Police confirmed at the time that two other men who were in the car were also badly injured. Apollo Simms, 26, of Tealby Road, Manchester, was subsequently charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a sample for analysis. He appeared in court earlier this month. No further details were revealed.
Family tribute to 'naturally funny' Tasha
In a tribute to her released by police at the time, Ms Denman's family said: "Tasha was a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin. We, as a family, will never recover from her sudden and unexpected passing at such a young age."
"Our hearts are forever broken. We would like her to be remembered as the naturally funny, loving and caring person she was. She can rest peacefully knowing she will always be cherished. We would politely ask people to accept our request for privacy at this time."
