The mother of a young woman who was found dead alongside her boyfriend in a horrific van crash has spoken out following an inquest verdict that ruled a police officer’s pursuit contributed to the tragedy.
Tragic Crash in Cumbria
On September 5, 2021, 20-year-old Ellie Marsden and her boyfriend Ryan Duffy, 24, were discovered dead inside a Citroen Berlingo van. The vehicle had left a country lane in the early hours before colliding with a tree near Kings Meaburn, Cumbria.
The fatal crash occurred after PC Craig Stevenson attempted to follow their van following a traffic violation in Appleby-in-Westmorland. A jury found that, on the balance of probabilities, Ryan became aware of the police presence and took evasive action, leading to what they ruled was a “spontaneous pursuit”—which contributed to the crash.
Mother’s Emotional Statement
Following the inquest, Ellie’s devastated mother, Kelly Kennedy, said:
“The officer’s pursuit of Ryan out of Appleby was a significant contributory factor in my daughter’s death.”
“The daily pain we have had to endure ever since losing our beautiful daughter Ellie is crippling.”
“Ellie was more than just a daughter, she was my best friend and the best friend of her heartbroken sister Chloe. We will ache for her for the rest of our lives.”
Inquest Findings
The week-long inquest at Carlisle Coroner’s Court heard that PC Stevenson, a standard response officer, began following Ryan and Ellie’s van after noticing it going the wrong way down a one-way street.
• PC Stevenson followed the van through Appleby and onto country roads, with data from his Ford Transit police vehicle showing he exceeded speed limits multiple times.
• He never activated his blue lights or reported the pursuit to his control room.
•The van was later discovered crashed into a tree after failing to navigate a bend on Long Rigg.
Jurors ruled that four key factors contributed to the fatal collision:
1. Ryan Duffy was over the legal alcohol limit, with cocaine and ketamine also found in his system.
2. Driver error, as Ryan failed to negotiate the bend.
3. Neither Ryan nor Ellie were wearing seat belts at the time of impact.
4.The police pursuit, which led Ryan to take evasive action.
PC Stevenson’s Defence
PC Stevenson denied being involved in a pursuit, stating he was simply monitoring the vehicle.
• He claimed he never had an opportunity to safely stop the van.
•He also told the inquest: “I didn’t believe it was a pursuit.”
• However, jurors unanimously ruled that, on the balance of probabilities, it was indeed a spontaneous police pursuit.
Family’s Heartbreak as Coroner Offers Condolences
Relatives of Ellie wept as the verdict was delivered. Assistant Coroner Joseph Hart expressed his deepest sympathies, saying:
“There is literally nothing I can say to diminish your loss and the tragedy of your loss.”
Cumbria Police Response
Cumbria Police released a statement following the inquest, saying:
“The Constabulary respects the findings and conclusions of the inquest. We will now review these and consider any actions, learning, training, or changes in procedures that need to take place.”
“This incident was referred to the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) following the tragic incident in 2021, who returned the investigation back to the Constabulary.”
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Ellie Marsden and Ryan Duffy at this very difficult time.”
A Devastating Loss
Ellie’s family and friends continue to grieve, knowing that her life was cut tragically short.
Her mother vowed to keep fighting for justice, saying:
“Ellie, I love and miss you more than life. We will ache for you for all eternity.”
