Nottinghamshire family of dangerous driver apologise for fatal crash

The family of a teenage driver who died in a collision have apologised to other passengers involved for the impact his driving caused.

Harvey Holehouse, of Woodborough, Gedling, was driving his Mercedes along the A612 Southwell Road, Gonalston, on 22 September 2022.

In his car were three other passengers including 17-year-old Jake Hankins who had accepted a lift off Harvey to make the 10-minute journey back to college.

Just before 10.45pm the Mercedes Harvey was driving lost control and hit an oncoming vehicle before both vehicles left the carriageway.

A thorough investigation by Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit found that Harvey’s Mercedes had been travelling over 120mph in a 60mph zone.

An inquest held at Nottingham Coroner’s Court ruled that Harvey and Jake died as a result of a road traffic collision.

A further passenger from within the Mercedes and the driver of the vehicle travelling on the opposite side of the road suffered serious injuries from which they are still recovering.

There was a fourth passenger within the Mercedes who suffered minor injuries.

Harvey's family statement

In a statement Harvey’s family said: “To everyone affected by the accident on 22 September 2022, and especially to Jake’s family we are truly sorry.

“We hope the memory of Harvey will not be defined by the events of that night and we hope that Harvey can be remembered for being the life and soul of wherever he went and for the love and kindness that he showed to all that he met.

“You always knew Harvey was in the room.

“We will remember Harvey for laughing, dancing, singing and joking his way around our home and are incredibly grateful for the joy he brought to our family.

“Harvey was a good person with so much potential.

“We love him and miss him dearly.”

Jake's family statement

In a statement, Jake’s family said: “Jake was a kind, gentle, and considerate young man – just starting to plan his life.

“He loved farming with an absolute passion and gained a great number of friends through his interests within the farming community.

“He has been described as having an infectious smile, but he was so much more than that to us.

“Words alone cannot describe the wonderful young man he was or the deep loss and pain we feel.

“Jake was our son, a little brother, a nephew, and a grandson and loved by so many people that all miss him dearly.

“Life without Jake just isn’t life.

“Jake was a rear seat passenger in a car driven by someone that he barely knew and had merely accepted a lift back to college – a 10-minute ride.

“This accident was caused by a complete act of recklessness and has completely devastated not just our lives, but many of the families and friends of those severely injured.

“There are far too many lives lost and serious injuries caused by inexperienced young drivers behind the wheel of powerful motor vehicles – our children’s lives on the roads need to be protected by setting a no passengers policy and mandatory fitting of a black box for under 25’s.

“We want to thank all the emergency services who attended the collision and Nottinghamshire Police for their ongoing support.

“We don’t want Jake to have died in vain and hope that lessons are learnt from this tragic incident.”

Case investigator Louise Melbourne, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This tragic incident has taken the lives of two adored sons’ way before their time.

“We sincerely hope as a result of today’s inquest both families and everyone involved will now be able to find some peace that the investigation has concluded.

“Our thoughts remain with both Harvey and Jake’s family and friends, and our specially trained officers will continue to support them all throughout this difficult time.”