One Year On: Family of Teen Killed in Bus Stop Crash Shares Enduring Grief

The father of a 15-year-old boy, Freddie Coleman, who was fatally struck by a car while waiting for a school bus, stated that his grief remained immeasurable a year after the incident. Freddie, a student at Mayflower High School, passed away at a bus stop in Stock, Essex, on 3 November 2023. His friend, who sustained injuries and spent three weeks receiving treatment in intensive care, is reportedly still undergoing a “slow recovery,” according to the friend’s family who spoke to the BBC. Jason, Freddie’s father, commented: “To come back to the village and see what I saw – I wouldn’t wish that on any parent.” Mr Coleman recounted being informed around 08:30 GMT on the day of the incident that a “tragic accident” had occurred. He further added: “[Freddie] was just doing what normal 15 year-olds do, until the day he went to school and never came home.” “It has completely changed not just our lives, but the people affected in and around – witnesses, other people in cars, another family,” he stated. Mr Coleman mentioned that the family had been deeply moved by the community’s support following Freddie’s death. Nevertheless, he added: “It still doesn’t take the heartache or pain of losing a child; you should never, ever bury your own child.” On Wednesday, campaigners joined Mr Coleman on Stock Road to conduct speed monitoring for drivers. Mark Rolph, a Speedwatch volunteer, reported that five individuals were detected speeding within the initial two hours of the operation. He commented: “It’s always busy on this road, it’s like a race track 24 hours a day.” “It’s incredible that people still speed along this road when they can see so much activity, it’s crazy,” he added. Both the Coleman family and campaigners have urged Essex County Council to lower the road’s speed limit to 20mph (32km/h). Essex County Council stated that it is examining whether new measures should be implemented but is unable to disclose specific information until a complete coroner’s inquest or court proceedings have concluded. Authorities investigating Freddie’s death apprehended a 23-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving causing serious injury and operating a vehicle while impaired by drink or drugs. He has since been released under investigation as the inquiries are ongoing.