A coroner has issued an urgent warning about social media's role in dangerous driving after three teenagers died in a crash caused by a 19-year-old driver who had a history of posting reckless driving videos online. Frank Wormald, 16, Matilda Seccombe, 16, and Harry Purcell, 17, were killed in April 2023 when the Ford Fiesta driven by Edward Spencer collided with an oncoming Fiat on the B4035 in Gloucestershire.
Assistant coroner Linda Lee said she would issue a Prevention of Future Death report, noting that previous inquests she oversaw 'used to involve racing,' but now they seemed 'to be silly things (like) taking selfies.' She added: 'It is showing off. The videos get likes and comments, which drives the requirement.'
Warwick Crown Court heard that Spencer, who passed his driving test just five weeks before the crash, had a history of 'showing off, driving too quickly and failing to heed warnings.' Social media videos showed him passing a mobility scooter at over 50mph and bragging about reversing so fast he was 'going to crash.'
Spencer was convicted of 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. The court determined the crash was caused by a 'lethal combination' of excessive speed and failure to drive according to road conditions.
Prosecutors urged the coroner to contact social media companies about the content. Patrick Maguire, representing Harry's family, also called for action. The coroner's warning highlights the deadly consequences of seeking online validation through dangerous behaviour.
