THE family of a teenager killed when a careless driver smashed into a tree during a storm say her death has “shattered” their lives.
Lana Maddison, 19, was a backseat passenger when Joe Rowland careered off the road in a Ford Fiesta.
Cumbria ConstabularyThe family of Lana Maddison say her death has ‘shattered’ their lives[/caption]
He failed to negotiate a right-hand bend on the A591 near Keswick, Cumbria, when the car hit a tree during Storm Arwen.
Emergency services charged to the scene following the November 28, 2021 crash, where they found Lana, Rowland and another friend.
Lana was rushed to hospital but tragically died from her injuries on December 3.
An investigation revealed the vehicle was travelling at 53 mph just five seconds before the smash.
Rowland, 21, had slammed on the breaks three seconds before colliding with the tree at 33mph.
Investigators concluded the collision came as a result of either, or a combination, of the road conditions and Rowland driving too fast, resulting in a loss of control.
He was today sentenced to 10 months in prison, banned from driving for three years and five months and ordered to take an extended re-test.
After his sentencing, a victim impact statement from Lana’s mum said she dreamed of becoming a mental health nurse adding how there is “no colour in our lives anymore, just grey”.
She said: “Since Lana’s tragic death our lives have been completely shattered, we are absolutely devastated by our loss.
“She made our little family complete in so many ways.
“All the little things we talked about and her plans for the future, a career in mental health nursing, she would have made a fantastic nurse and a real loss to the whole community.
“Those poor conditions and Rowland’s speed resulted in a loss of control and sadly the loss of Lana’s life.
“We live each day as best we can, with the beautiful memories she left us with in our hearts eternally.”
Her family are now pleading with drivers to consider weather warnings before getting behind the wheel and to think about road conditions.
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