Groom killed in car crash: event riders suffer serious injuries

Louiza Covey, a groom from Bridport, was killed in a car crash last Friday night (8 May). Event riders Daniel Sibley and Aaron Millar, both 28, were also badly injured in the accident.

The collision happened at about 10.16pm on the A37 near Dorchester.

Police confirmed that two people died in the head-on collision, a 45-year-old driver of the blue Volkswagen Transporter van and the 25-year-old female passenger in the black Volkswagen Golf.

In a statement, Louiza’s family said: “Lulu was an exceptional young woman whose constant happiness was contagious to everyone she knew and loved.

“She was as beautiful inside as she was out and could change your day with a comment and smile.

“Her honesty and pursuit of joy in everything she did should be an example to us all.

“For all her family and friends, she leaves behind a void that will always be filled with treasured memories of her. She will never be forgotten.”

Daniel, who was driving the Golf, has broken both legs and his sternum (breastbone).

Aaron’s injuries aren’t as severe, but he has a haematoma on his bowel.

“Aaron’s battered and bruised, but is going to make a full recovery,” close friend and event rider Craig Barr told H&H.

Craig and fellow eventers, Tim Rogers, Gregor Knox and Jade Lazenby drove four hours straight from Badminton Horse Trials last night to see Aaron as soon as they heard he was up to receiving visitors.

“He was awake and speaking, but very shaken up about the whole thing,” said Craig.

“You come to terms with a fall eventing, but this is hard to take in. We can’t believe it, but thank god they are going to make a full recovery,” said Craig.

Aaron has been given the “all clear” after being in intensive care over the weekend in Dorchester hospital.

Daniel, who runs an eventing yard in Dorset, is reported to have woken up after surgery yesterday in Bristol hospital.

The other girl in the Golf, a 26-year-old unnamed women from the Bridport area, also remains in hospital having sustained serious life-changing injuries.

Officers from Dorset police’s traffic unit are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is being asked to get in touch with Sergeant Joe Pardey on 101 quoting incident number 8:422.

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