Quad bikes 'not worth it' say bereaved family

Matthew Steward died when the quad bike he and Cory Dove were on crashed during their family holiday to Turkey

A “heartbroken” mum and dad have warned about the dangers of quad bikes after the death of their 26-year-old son during a holiday in Turkey.

Friends Matthew Steward and Cory Dove, from Harwich, Essex, suffered "multiple traumatic injuries" in a fatal crash on 14 May.

Mr Steward's parents said they had been searching for answers but claimed they have been “lied to” and been given incorrect information following the accident.

Inquest proceedings have been opened and adjourned with a full hearing to take place in February 2025. Turkish authorities are understood to be investigating.

The parents of Mr Steward, Lisa, 42, and Gavin, 44, said they were devastated after the “harrowing” crash.

They have pleaded with other families not to use the vehicles as they are “dangerous...not worth it” and “no one needs this heartache”.

Mr Steward had travelled out to Fethiye in Turkey, on 12 May for a family holiday with his partner Dannielle Rose, 24, her six-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, and their son, aged three.

The following night Ms Rose said her partner and Mr Dove, 26, left the hotel to go to a shop on the quad bike they had hired.

Hours later, she was told the “distressing” news they had died and she and Mr Dove's partner needed to identify the bodies.

Mr Steward's family described the weeks since his death as “absolute hell”.

Mrs Steward told PA Real Life: “Dannielle can’t go home at the moment, she’s finding it very difficult to go home, and we’re just heartbroken, absolutely heartbroken. Absolutely devastated."

A fundraiser has been set up to cover any legal and other expenses, such as for a solicitor and translator, and to purchase a headstone.