A DEVASTATED mother has paid tribute to her “beautiful babies” after a nine-year-old girl and boy, 16, were killed while riding a scooter.
Roman Casselden and his little sister Darcie were struck down by a car on Saturday evening while playing in near their home in Essex.
GoFundMeRoman, 16, and Darcie, nine, were tragically declared dead at the scene[/caption]
The horror happened in Walthams Place, Pitsea, at around 6.25pm and the driver failed to stop at the scene.
In a message posted on Facebook, the children’s heartbroken mum Emma Keeling, paid tribute to her “beautiful babies”.
She wrote: “My two beautiful babies Roman and Darcie sadly lost their lives last night in this awful accident. The driver fled the scene.
“We are currently grieving at this difficult time.
“I wish to thank everyone who has offered their support and to the paramedics, air ambulance crew and members of the public who tried in vain to save them.”
The children’s’ father Alec Casselden made a number of grief-stricken posts on social media describing his heartbreak over their deaths.
Darcie and Roman are thought to have been playing on an e-scooter when tragedy struck, according to local media reports.
Essex Police confirmed a man and woman, both in their 20s, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
They both remain in custody.
A GoFundMe has been set up by a friend in support of the family to raise money for funeral expenses.
They wrote a message with the appeal which read: “I have been given permission on behalf of my friends, the family of young Roman and Darcie, who tragically lost their lives on Saturday Feb 1 2025 in Pitsea.
“Tragedy has struck our community, leaving two young lives lost far too soon. We are heartbroken for the families and loved ones of these precious children.
“In this devastating time, we want to come together to support the families with funeral expenses and other needs. Any donation, big or small, will help ease their burden.”
Roman has been remembered as a talented footballer, playing through the Achievement Through Football (ATF) charity.
One tribute to him from a former teacher read: “Two beautiful souls taken far too soon. You were such a good kid, a joy to teach in PE.
“Our time together watching you gain confidence in football club and seeing you play for the school, seeing that beamy smile when you scored and hearing Mr Billingham screaming your name celebrating is a great memory.”
Another read: “I can’t believe you are both gone. ATF will not be the same anymore. You were both taken too soon. You will never be forgotten.”
Members of the grief-stricken community also left floral tributes at the scene.
“You were both lovely people. I will always love you and remember you,” one read.
Someone penned: “I’m so sorry that you both have been taken away far too young.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everything that had the joy to know you both, especially your family.”
Residents claimed the 30mph road, Ashlyns, where the children were hit needs more speed calming measures.
One local said: “This is a built up area with lots of children crossing the road to reach the park, playground and nearby schools.
“But cars come zooming down like it’s a 60mph country road. There’s been so many crashes recently – even one involving a police car.
“It’s sad that it takes a tragedy like this to highlight the issue but hopefully something will finally be done about it now.”
Councillor Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, added: “I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the deaths of two young children in Pitsea North West yesterday, after a road traffic incident on the Chalvedon estate.
“I can’t imagine the pain and anguish the parents and family of these two children are going through right now. We will be supporting the local community through this difficult time.
“If you saw anything or have any information on this accident, please get in touch with the police immediately.”
Stuart Hooper, temporary assistant chief constable, added: “My thoughts are with the friends and family of the girl and boy who have died this evening.
“Specialist officers are supporting them at this truly unimaginably difficult time. Our officers will be carrying out enquiries in the area this evening to establish the circumstances which led up to the collision so if you saw anything or have any information please get in contact.”
PAFlowers left near to the scene[/caption]
PAA man reads over the tributes[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
