Family Issues New Appeal for Witnesses in Tenerife Mother’s Death, Two Years On

The relatives of a mother who died in a collision in Tenerife have launched a renewed plea for witnesses, marking the second anniversary of her passing. Michelle Exton, a resident of Dronfield, Derbyshire, was on vacation in the Canary Islands in December 2022 when a van drove onto the pavement and struck both her and her mother, Ann. The 50-year-old sustained critical head injuries and passed away at the hospital four days subsequently. Spanish authorities initially concluded their inquiry within three weeks, but a successful legal challenge led to the reopening of the case, prompting Ms Exton’s family to urge any local residents or visitors with information to present themselves. The collision occurred on a thoroughfare connecting Las Chafiras to Golf del Sur, situated in the southern part of the island, at approximately 20:30 local time on 11 December 2022. The individual operating the vehicle briefly exited it, observed the two individuals on the ground, and then departed the scene. Ann, aged 77, remained hospitalized overnight due to rib trauma, lacerations, and contusions. According to the law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is acting on behalf of the family, the continuing police inquiry into Ms Exton’s fatality has been moved from the regional police force to the national Guardia Civil; however, no detentions have occurred. Sophia, Ms Exton’s daughter, who was also present on the holiday with her 16-year-old sister Jess, stated that the “hurt, anguish and pain” remained “as raw now” as it was at the time of her mother’s passing. The 25-year-old commented: “Our family is still in pieces over mum’s death, and we haven’t been able to start the process of trying to grieve for her because of everything that has happened.” She added: “We’ll never stop trying to get justice for mum.” She further asserted: “There must be people out there who either witnessed the collision or have information about it.” Irwin Mitchell indicates that the driver implicated in the incident is characterized as a white male, approximately 5ft 8in (1.72m) in height, possessing a bald or closely-shaven scalp. The family has been informed that the van might have been a white Mercedes Sprinter, a Renault Traffic, a Nissan Primastar, or a Vauxhall Vivaro. James Riley, a legal representative at the firm, remarked: “While two years have passed, time has stood still for the family because of the many unanswered questions that remain.” He continued: “Nothing will ever make up for Michelle’s death but if the driver is found, it at least provides her loved ones with some form of closure.”