Fatal BMW crash on A415 leaves villagers in shock

Inside, at the head of the central aisle, a two-tiered circular stand bears an array of small candles, some lit using a box of matches left by its base.

Villagers have been coming to the church to pay their respects since Tuesday (June 20) when the sleepy village near Abingdon became the scene of a tragic crash which claimed the lives of three teenagers and left another in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

READ MORE: Girlfriend of Marcham crash victim pays tribute at scene

Ethan Goddard and Daniel Hancock, both 18, and Elliot Pullen, 17, all died when the BMW they were passengers in came off the A415 and collided with a tree in the early hours of the morning.

The driver, named locally as Tom, has been left fighting for his life.

None of the teenagers lived in Marcham – Elliot and Daniel were from Southmoor and Ethan was from Abingdon – but they were known to some in the village.

Many in the community said they were in a state of shock.

Shaun Taylor, who heard the emergency services as they responded to the crash, visited the church on Thursday to pay his respects.

“I heard a lot of sirens at that time, and then a couple of hours later I heard there was a crash,” the 24-year-old said.

READ MORE: Marcham A415 crash: Thousands raised for victim’s families

“It has had an effect on the community. It is certainly sombre if you go into the village shop.”

Sue Davie, 58, who volunteers at Marcham Village Shop, said many customers had spoken about the collision.

“The general feeling is sadness for their poor friends and families,” she said.

“It’s such a loss of young life. I have not lived in the village long, but I have heard people say that bend is an accident blackspot.

“We had some of the young people’s friends, the ones who have come to lay flowers, come into the shop to buy a drink. They were in shock.

“You just know from the tributes that their families have given that they were young lads with their futures ahead of them.”

A statement released on Wednesday from Elliot’s family paid tribute to their ‘bright and talented’ son who was nearing the end of an IT apprenticeship qualification.

READ MORE: Marcham councillors react to three teens killed in BMW crash

The family of Ethan said they ‘couldn’t be more proud of the fine young man he was turning into’, and Daniel’s family said he ‘lived every day to its fullest’.

Brian Gower, 88, who has lived in Marcham for 40 years, said: “They were such young people who have had their lives cut short.

“It hits hard personally just thinking of the relatives and loved ones. Your thoughts are with them and the dreadful time they must be going through.

“I have seen a lot of youngsters come and lay flowers and you just have to feel for them.”

Over the last few days, many have left tributes by a tree near the site of the crash, including flowers, candles, and photographs of the teenagers.

“The community is obviously devastated,” said Marcus Andrews, 26, who lives in Marcham.

“I don’t know everybody else’s opinion on it, but me and my family are just shocked.

“They were young lads with long lives to live.”

Elizabeth Lewis, 81, described the crash and the days that have followed as ‘shock horror’.

“Everybody says what a tragedy it is,” she said.

“I haven’t spoken to many people about it, but everyone knows about it.”

Eric Dunford, 84, a volunteer who helps run the post office in the village shop, said Marcham’s strong community spirit had helped during the difficult time.

“We are all in shock of course. Some people know them and of course that makes it that much more personal,” said Mr Dunford, who has lived in the village for 43 years.

“The community spirit helps get through a time like this. People console each other. There’s a very strong church here, and the shop is useful.”

Revd Nick Weldon, vicar of Marcham and Garford, said: “The thoughts and prayers of the whole community in Marcham are with the family and friends of those that sadly lost their lives on the A415, and the driver still recovering in hospital.

“Although the men did not live in this community, they are very well known to many young people and their families here. So, alongside the community of Southmoor and Abingdon we grieve with them at this sad time.

“The incident occurred not far from All Saints Church in Marcham. The church will be kept open until 9pm each night this week for anyone who wishes to drop by for a quiet moment of reflection or to light a candle. Prayers will be said at our Sunday services this weekend and we offer our support to anyone affected by this tragic accident.”