Drunk Driver Kills Mum-of-Two in Head-On Crash on A66
Amy Purvis, 36, was fatally injured when a Nissan X-Trail swerved into her lane on the A66 while she was driving home from Barnard Castle to Richmond on the night of December 14 last year.
The collision left Amy with serious injuries. She was rushed to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough but sadly passed away two days later. Her organs were donated to save other lives.
Deadly Crash Linked to Drunk, Unlicensed Driver with Epilepsy
The other driver, a 58-year-old man, died instantly at the scene. An inquest at Crook Coroners’ Court on May 24 revealed he had a blood alcohol level of 203mg per 100ml — more than double the legal limit.
Shockingly, he’d never held a valid driving licence due to epilepsy and had not taken medication to control his condition before the crash.
Senior coroner Dr Leslie Hamilton recorded the cause of death as a road traffic collision.
Family and Police Issue Heartfelt Warnings After Tragedy
“We continue to miss Amy every day but hope her unnecessary death will deter anyone who thinks driving under the influence is ever acceptable,” said Amy’s family.
“We’d like to thank the emergency services, Durham Constabulary, hospital staff, and the members of the public who stayed with Amy at the scene. Your kindness means a lot to us.”
Inspector Mick Todd from Durham Constabulary added: “This was a tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the families. This terrible tragedy shows the devastating consequences of drinking and driving. It can ruin lives and shatter families — please don’t.”
