A young couple tragically found dead in a ditch just hours after being followed by police in Cumbria has left the community in shock. Ellie Marsden, 20, and Ryan Duffy, 24, from Wigan, were on holiday and had checked into Appleby Castle Hotel in Appleby-in-Westmorland on September 4, 2021. The inquest revealed that the couple had a pleasant evening out at Appleby’s Hare and Hounds pub before the events took a tragic turn.
It was reported that a police officer noticed Ellie getting into the passenger seat of a van, driven by Ryan, after leaving the pub in the early hours of the morning. The officer decided to follow the van as it drove on rural roads around Appleby, without activating emergency lights. Eventually, the officer lost sight of the van and decided to stop following it, suspecting that the driver may have been aware of being trailed.
The next morning, a married couple discovered a crashed van with Ellie and Ryan inside three miles southeast of Kings Meaburn village. The van had sustained significant damage, indicating a severe impact with a tree. The assistant coroner highlighted the need to examine the police officer’s actions leading up to the couple’s demise in a “fact-finding” hearing to establish the sequence of events but not assign blame.
Family members paid touching tributes to Ellie and Ryan, describing them as vibrant, loving individuals who will be deeply missed. Ryan’s mother, Karen Duffy, fondly remembered her son’s adventurous spirit and infectious laughter, calling him a larger-than-life personality. Ellie’s mother, Kelly Kennedy, reflected on her daughter’s kindness and genuine love for others, stating that Ellie had a relentless desire to make the world a better place.
As the inquest continues, friends and family members gather to honour Ellie and Ryan’s memory and seek closure over the untimely loss of two souls full of promise. The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments spent with loved ones. The community remains united in mourning the loss of Ellie and Ryan, holding onto precious memories shared with them.
The WalesOnline community stands together in remembrance of Ellie and Ryan, offering support to their grieving families and friends during this difficult time. The investigation into the circumstances leading to the couple’s tragic demise seeks to bring clarity and understanding to a heartbreaking chapter in their lives. As the inquest unfolds, the memory of Ellie and Ryan lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them, ensuring that they are never forgotten.