THE family of a teenage girl who died after a car hit a group of pedestrians at a car meet are hoping to find answers as an inquest into her death continues.
Sophie Louise Smith was killed after a BMW struck a group of people in Europa Way, Trafford Park, on May 31 last year.
The 19-year-old, from Radcliffe, was taken to hospital along with six others but she died the following day.
A week-long jury inquest began on Monday, 13 May, at Stockport Coroner’s Court, to investigate the circumstances and lead up to the incident.
The families of three of those injured, Sophie’s boyfriend Jordan Chidgey, from Radcliffe, Dan Robinson and Colin Burton, both from Eccles, have instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support them through the legal process after the fatal incident.
The collision left Jordan, aged 25, and Colin, aged 33, with multiple injuries, requiring hospital treatment, and Dan, aged 34, also sustained injuries.
Matthew Garson, the lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family said: “This tragic case highlights the consequences of dangerous driving which has left its mark on so many people.
“The inquest will be incredibly tough for Sophie’s family as they will have to hear evidence about the crash once again and re-live the tragedy in court. They hope that the Inquest will provide them with further closure as to what happened and identify if any lessons can be learned to prevent any similar incidents in future.”
Sophie worked at the drive-thru Costa Coffee in Lower Bridgeman Street, Bolton, and many of her colleagues from the branch attended a vigil at the scene of the crash on June 3 last year.
At the time, a spokesman for the family paid the following tribute: "Sophie was an amazing daughter, sister and girlfriend and our hearts are broken.
“We will always love her and never forget the time we spent together. Sophie was our little angel and loved by everyone who knew her.
“A big empty space has been left in our souls and life will never be the same without her. We will always be thinking about her and she will be in our hearts forever.”
In July, the driver, Scott Watkins, pleaded guilty to causing death while driving without a licence and insurance.
The then 24-year-old, of Worsley Road North, Salford, was jailed for nine years and nine months for causing Sophie's death.
He also pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here