Young parents on night out killed when car ‘travelling 85mph’ crashed into roundabout

Alex Ford, Scott Simpson, and Jay McEvoy all died when the car thet were in smashed into a roundabout (reach)
Alex Ford, Scott Simpson and Jay McEvoy all died when the car they were in smashed into a roundabout at 85mph. (Reach) (reach)

Three young friends died when the speeding car they were travelling in smashed into a roundabout at 85mph, an inquest has heard.

The force of the crash caused the vehicle to "stand up and rotate" before falling back onto the carriageway and throwing the rear seat passenger onto the road.

Alex Ford, 28, Scott Simpson, 28, and Jay McEvoy, 33, all parents to young children, were in the hired BMW together when Simpson – who was over the drink drive limit – lost control as they travelled home from a night out on 25 April.

Liverpool Coroner's Court heard Ford and Simpson had met friends at the Deysbrook pub in West Derby, Liverpool, where they spent the evening.

Coroner's officer Jacqueline Gallagher said the trio left the venue in the car at 11.30pm.

CCTV showed plasterer Simpson take the driving seat with online retail assistant Ford as his front seat passenger and business owner McEvoy in the back.

The court heard the car was seen travelling "at excessive speed" before it collided with a brick wall and a lamppost at the roundabout.

Smoke poured from the bonnet and a fire developed before passing members of the public and police officers arrived at the scene.

McEvoy, from West Derby, who had been thrown from the vehicle, was moved to a safe area away from the wreckage before officers rescued Simpson and Ford from the flames.

Tributes were been paid to the three victims who died in the accident (reach)
Tributes to the three victims who died in the accident. (Reach) (reach)

All three were taken to different hospitals but later died.

Toxicology tests showed driver Simpson, from West Derby, was twice over the drink drive limit and had cannabis in his system, while Ford, from Old Swan, had cannabis in her body and McEvoy cannabis and cocaine.

Simpson's cause of death was recorded as head injuries, Ford's as a head injury and McEvoy's as head and chest injuries.

Senior investigating officer Sgt Amy Murray told the inquest the BMW was travelling at 85mph at the point of collision on the 40mph road.

Coroner Andre Rebello said: "Fortunately, nobody outside the vehicle was harmed, the driver appeared to be travelling at excessive speed and drove straight into the roundabout. All three of them were probably unconscious on impact and knew nothing of the injuries sustained."

Rebello recorded conclusions of road traffic collisions for all three.

He told members of their families: "There will be future generations who will need to remember them as people. You had loving relationships to celebrate and remember."

In the weeks following the tragedy, relatives had released tributes to their loved ones.

McEvoy's family said: "James lived his life a happy man. He always walked with a smile on his face and would actively encourage the smiles of others."

Mother-of-two Ford was described as a "free spirit" and a "proud mum who adored her kids".

Simpson's family said: "Scott was an absolute amazing son, brother, father, cousin, uncle, nephew and the best friend to all. He was the most kindest, loving person with a heart of gold.

"Scott was a fabulous dad to his beautiful little boy Thomas, who he doted on."

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