Inquest opens into deaths of teens killed in crash

Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones, 18, and Morgan Jones, 17, died in the crash

An inquest has been opened into the deaths of three teenagers killed in a car crash.

Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones, 18, Morgan Jones, 17, and Sophie Bates, 17, died after a Ford Ka crashed into a tree on Cannock Road in Penkridge, Staffordshire, just before midnight on 25 May.

Mr Craven-Jones and Mr Jones, both from Wrexham, were pronounced dead at the scene, while Miss Bates, from Stafford, died in hospital three days later.

During a hearing in Stoke-on-Trent on Monday, assistant coroner Emma Serrano opened and adjourned the inquest to a date to be confirmed.

Tributes have been paid to the trio since the incident, including by friend Brooke Varley, from Newport, Shropshire, who survived the crash.

The 17-year-old said she was so upset to have lost “such amazing people” from her life.

Sophie Bates, 17, died in hospital three days after the crash

“Sophie was the kindest person who lived her life to the fullest. She is my inspiration to get better and do everything she didn’t get a chance to do. She will forever be in my heart,” Miss Varley said.

“Morgan was one of the funniest people I know. He was always respectful, kind and sweet. He always looked out for me. Daf had a kind soul and loved his friends.”

Staffordshire Police said officers were supporting the families and that an investigation was ongoing.

The force has called for anyone with information on the crash to make contact.