Driver Convicted in Tragic Death of Take That Fan
A driver has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving after a fatal incident that claimed the life of a Take That fan as she walked to a concert in Bristol. Fiona Hodge, aged 69, was convicted by a jury following a trial at Bristol Crown Court, where she had denied responsibility for the death of Donna Crossman, 53.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The tragic event occurred on June 9, 2024, when Donna Crossman, from Wales, was walking across Brunel Way with two friends towards Ashton Gate Stadium to attend a Take That concert. Hodge's red Citroen C1 car mounted the pavement, narrowly missing the two friends before striking Crossman and knocking her over a railing onto a BMX pump track beneath the flyover.
Crossman sustained catastrophic injuries from the impact and was pronounced dead at around midnight, with her family arriving in Bristol shortly before. Prosecutors described the case as enormously sad and tragic, highlighting the devastating loss for all involved.
Medical Condition and Court Proceedings
During the trial, it was revealed that Fiona Hodge has since been formally diagnosed with epilepsy by neurologists, a condition she was unaware of at the time of the crash. She told the court she had no recollection of the moments leading up to the incident and had never experienced a seizure before.
In her testimony, Hodge recalled an incredible jolt and suddenly finding herself on the kerb with three women in front of her, later telling friends in the car, I think I may have killed someone. Police interviews at the scene showed she tested negative for alcohol and drugs, and initially denied having a medical condition or losing consciousness.
Verdict and Sentencing
After more than six hours of deliberation, the jury found Hodge guilty of causing death by careless driving. She is set to be sentenced at a later date, with Judge Peter Blair KC overseeing the case. The defense argued that the collision likely occurred due to Hodge suffering from undiagnosed epilepsy, citing previous weird episodes linked to the condition.
Impact on the Victim's Family
Donna Crossman's father, Steve Price, paid tribute to his daughter, describing her as perfect, adventurous, and caring. A veteran of the Royal Air Force with over two decades of service, Crossman was remembered as someone with a massive circle of friends and so much more to give, leaving a profound impact on her community.
