Two British fathers tragically lost their lives after a fatal quad bike collision with a bus in Turkey while on holiday, as reported by Wales Online. The incident took place just before midnight and claimed the lives of Cory Dove, who was driving the quad bike, and his childhood friend Matthew Steward, who was a passenger on the vehicle. Both men, aged 26 and from Harwich in Essex, collided with a minibus, leading to the devastating outcome. The details of the incident were shared during an inquest held in Chelmsford.
According to reports from Turkish authorities, the collision occurred on May 13, 2024. Despite the immediate response of emergency services, the official date of death for both men was recorded as the following day. The collision was described as a “head-on” impact, with the quad bike driven by Mr. Dove crashing while speeding on a winding road. The bus driver, who was in his own lane travelling in the opposite direction, stated that the quad bike veered into his path during a bend, resulting in the collision.
During the inquest, statements from family members painted a poignant picture of the two young fathers who tragically lost their lives. Mr. Dove’s mother, Sarah, described him as a devoted construction worker who adored his family and friends, emphasizing his love for motorbikes and quad bikes. On the other hand, Mr. Steward’s family recalled his passion for metal detecting and Christmas lights, expressing the profound loss they felt with his untimely passing.
In response to queries from the coroner, it was revealed that the two men were en route to a shop at the time of the accident, a journey they had made multiple times earlier that day. The coroner concluded that the cause of death for both individuals was a road traffic collision. While there was a police report on the incident, it lacked detailed information on potential mechanical defects in either vehicle.
Post-mortem examinations conducted in the UK confirmed that both men succumbed to multiple traumatic injuries from the crash. Notably, toxicology reports indicated that both men were within the legal drink-drive limit, further underscoring the tragic nature of the accident. The coroner extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families present in court, acknowledging the immense pain they must be enduring.
The loss of these two young fathers serves as a solemn reminder of the unexpected tragedies that can occur, even during a holiday abroad. The inquest shed light on the sequence of events leading to the fatal collision, offering insights into the circumstances surrounding the devastating incident. As family members continue to mourn their loved ones, the memories of Cory Dove and Matthew Steward will undoubtedly endure as a testament to the lives they lived and the legacies they leave behind.