Inquest opens after teenage girl dies in Banbury crash

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

An inquest has opened after 18-year-old Esme Heaton-Biggs died following a car crash in Banbury on 3 October. She was the driver of a white Volkswagen Polo that collided with a white Mercedes on Bloxham Road near Springfield Avenue at around 9.20pm. She was taken to the John Radcliffe but died the following day. Senior coroner Darren Salter opened the inquest at Oxfordshire Coroner's Court on 21 October. Her precise medical cause of death remains under investigation. A full inquest is listed for 12 April next year at 10am.

Esme was an apprentice printer. Her family described her as a 'funny, kind, stubborn, witty and beautiful human being' who was the 'spark' of her friendship group and had been taken from them 'far too soon'. A GoFundMe set up for her family has raised more than £14,000.

Brian McLaren, a 36-year-old Banbury man, has been charged with driving-related offences in connection with the incident. The charges include death by dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, causing death by due care while over the prescribed limit, and driving a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was above the limit.

How it is being reported

• Inquest opens after teenage girl died in Oxfordshire car crashAn inquest has opened after the death of a teenage girl in a car crash in Banbury.Oxford Mail · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Inquest opens after teenage girl died in Oxfordshire car crashAn inquest has opened after the death of a teenage girl in a car crash in Banbury.Oxfordshire Guardian · 22 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Esme Heaton-Biggs · Brian McLaren · Banbury · Bloxham Road · John Radcliffe · Oxfordshire Coroner's Court

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