A coroner has delivered a stark warning about the deadly influence of social media and 'selfie culture' following a horrific crash that claimed the lives of three teenagers.
A Fatal Journey Home from School
Frank Wormald and Matilda Seccombe, both 16, and 17-year-old Harry Purcell were killed in April 2023. The tragedy occurred as their friend, Edward Spencer, drove them home from school in a Ford Fiesta, which collided with an oncoming Fiat.
Spencer, who survived the crash, had passed his driving test just over a month earlier. An inquest at Warwick Crown Court heard he "had a history of bad driving" and a pattern of showing off.
Social Media Fuelling 'The Requirement' for Danger
Assistant coroner Linda Lee highlighted how social media platforms are now a key factor in risky behaviour. She stated that while past inquests often involved racing, many now stem from "silly things (like) taking selfies."
"It is showing off," Ms Lee said. "The videos get likes and comments, which drives the requirement." The court was shown social media videos where Spencer engaged in daredevil driving, including overtaking a mobility scooter at over 50mph and bragging about reversing so fast he was going to crash.
Tragically, Matilda ('Tilly') Seccombe had previously complained about Spencer's driving in a Snapchat message. He replied: "Don't underestimate me."
Legal Consequences and a Call for Action
Edward Spencer, now 19, was convicted at Warwick Crown Court in April on three counts of causing death by careless driving and three counts of causing serious injury by careless driving. He was sentenced to two years' detention.
CCTV evidence showed he was driving significantly over the speed limit near the crash scene on the B4035 between Chipping Campden and Shipston-on-Stour. The crash was caused by a "lethal combination" of grossly excessive speed and a failure to adapt to road conditions.
The coroner confirmed she will issue a Prevention of Future Deaths report. She was urged by the family's solicitor to contact social media companies directly about the content that glorifies dangerous acts.
