Destiny Harrison, 24, and her five-year-old daughter Linnea were killed after being struck by a car while using a pedestrian crossing in Plymouth, an inquest has heard. The pair were 'holding hands' as they crossed Victoria Road on March 24, 2024.
Collision Details
Devon Coroner's Court in Exeter was told that the mother and daughter were hit by a Nissan Qashqai driven by 76-year-old Brenda Marriott. Emergency services were called at around 9.45am. Linnea was pronounced dead at the scene, while Destiny later died at Derriford Hospital.
Pathologist Dr Russell Delaney conducted post-mortem examinations, revealing that Ms Harrison sustained multiple injuries, and Linnea died from a head injury.
Driver's Account
In a written statement, Mrs Marriott, who was absent from the hearing, said she was travelling along Victoria Road at 30mph, following a white car through the crossing. 'The white car went through it, it was still green and I was following,' she said. 'I saw two shadows of pedestrians. The car in front was higher than mine, so I did not have a clear view. When I drove closer, I saw the woman and a smaller person, with their heads down, step out into the road. They were holding hands. They stepped out in front of my car.'
Mrs Marriott said she immediately applied the brakes and brought the vehicle to a halt. 'I do believe the lights were green when I drove through and think that the pedestrian misjudged the lights. I am so sorry, I am in shock,' she added.
Eyewitness Testimonies
Eyewitness Philip Askew was walking his dog when he saw the woman and child heading towards the crossing but looked away moments before the collision. 'I heard an almighty bang and then scream. I turned round immediately to see what it was,' he said. Bystanders rushed to provide first aid.
Local resident Karen Bull heard a sound like a car over-revving. 'The pedestrians were crossing the road. My attention was drawn to the pedestrians, so I didn't look to see the colour of the lights on the crossing. They appeared to be walking calmly and at normal pace. I heard a horrible noise. I can't get the noise out of my head.'
Forensic Investigation
Pc Mel Inness, a forensic collision investigator, confirmed no faults with the vehicle and no evidence to determine the driver's speed or reaction time. 'There was nothing within the physical evidence to indicate emergency braking immediately prior to or post-impact but this does not preclude it from having occurred. It is not known what colour the traffic lights were at the point the Nissan approached the collision scene or at what point the pedestrians stepped in the road. There is nothing from within the physical evidence from which I can calculate speed at impact, or on the approach to.'
Detective Sergeant Troy Bennett stated collision specialists estimated Mrs Marriott's speed at between 27mph and 32mph at impact. 'A full evidential review was conducted based on the evidence we gathered. Based on that evidence there was no physical evidence to suggest that Mrs Marriott's driving was below the standard of a careful and competent driver.'
Coroner's Conclusion
Senior coroner Philip Spinney recorded that both died from a road traffic collision. 'Destiny Harrison died due to injuries sustained after being hit by a car whilst crossing Victoria Road. Linnea Harrison died due to injuries sustained after being hit by a car whilst crossing Victoria Road. For the family the feelings of loss and grief are hard to imagine. I add to those that have already gone before in offering my sincerest condolences for the loss of Destiny and Linnea.'
