Tragic Incident: Schoolboy’s Life Cut Short While Searching for Older Brothers

In a devastating event that shook a community in Cornwall, schoolboy Dexter Chapman, just five years old, was fatally struck by a car while running across a busy road in Penpillick Hill, Par.

The Tragic Accident

The incident occurred in April of last year on the A390 road. Dexter was playing in the front garden with his brothers when they went to swing in a neighbor’s garden. Disappearing to find them, little Dexter ended up near the main road.

The investigation, heard at an inquest in Truro, Cornwall, revealed critical details. Assistant coroner Stephen Covell described how dashcam footage from a nearby vehicle captured the terrifying moment of the collision.

Witnesses described seeing Dexter hesitantly look left and right on an overgrown verge. Unfortunately, he misjudged the oncoming car’s speed and ran onto the three-lane road.

The Driver’s Perspective

The driver of the Ford Fiesta, who remained unreported by name, described the incident in a statement. “I saw something move. It all happened at speed. The next second, a child came out onto the road in front of me,” he shared. “He stopped as if he didn’t know where to go. I didn’t know which way to steer to avoid him. It all happened so fast.”

The driver noted no defects on the car and emphasized that despite attempting emergency braking, Dexter could not be avoided.

Sad Consequences

The young boy, still in his school uniform, suffered catastrophic head and other injuries. Despite the immediate attention provided by passing drivers, Dexter’s life was cut short at the scene.

A Community Grieves

Dexter’s parents described their beloved son as “a happy, active child” who enjoyed outings and was always cheerful. One parent shared, “He was a cheeky story teller who seemed to never stop talking, even at bedtime.”

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Autopsy and Inquest Findings

The assistant coroner, Stephen Covell, concluded that Dexter likely lacked experience crossing roads and misjudged the speed and trajectory of the approaching vehicle. The collision, at a steep hill, occurred when the car was traveling up to 45mph.

Covell explained, “It’s likely that he was just looking for his brother and thought they might have gone back to the road. He ran across the road into the first lane of the carriageway into the path of the Ford Fiesta. Emergency brakes were applied. The driver locked his wheels and tried to steer into the outside lane but Dexter continued to run across the road and the collision took place. The driver was unable to avoid the collision.”

Prevention Measures and Grieving Process

The tragic case highlights the importance of road safety, especially for young children. Parents are advised to supervise their children and teach them safe practices around roads and traffic.

The community mourns the loss of Dexter Chapman. His parents are undertaking the difficult task of trying to make sense of the sudden and devastating loss of their beloved son.

Join the Conversation

We invite our readers to share their thoughts and memories about Dexter Chapman or any similar incidents in their local communities. Your stories can help raise awareness and promote better road safety for children.

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