An individual with aspirations of becoming a doctor tragically lost his life in a fatal accident on a pedestrian crossing, where he was hit by a car traveling significantly above the speed limit. The incident occurred in Middleton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Ashton Kitchen-White. He was struck by a Ford Focus ST while crossing Ring Road Beeston Park, an area limited to 30mph, with the vehicle allegedly traveling at 80mph. The driver, Regan Kemp, 26, is currently facing charges of causing death by dangerous driving in Leeds Crown Court, despite denying being behind the wheel at the time.
Ashton, who was about to pursue a medical degree at Leeds University, was described by his family as a beloved individual with a passion for fitness and combat sports. The prosecution highlighted that Kemp, originally from Cornwall but traveling from near Edinburgh, Scotland, was driving recklessly on the night of May 16. He reportedly exceeded the speed limit, showcasing the car’s capabilities to a potential buyer in Leeds. Tragically, Ashton was caught in the path of the speeding vehicle, leading to his untimely death.
Evidence presented in court included footage from a passenger’s mobile phone, capturing the moment of impact and the subsequent actions of Kemp. The prosecution emphasized that the footage clearly showed Kemp driving the car, further supported by his distinctive accent. Following the collision, Kemp allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene, later returning to Scotland with his friends. Despite turning himself in to the authorities days later, Kemp refused to provide any statements regarding the incident.
The trial, set to span four days, continues as the prosecution maintains that Kemp’s dangerous driving was the primary factor in Ashton’s tragic death, while Kemp denies these allegations and attempts to shift responsibility to another individual.