Police Officer Who Followed Holiday Couple Before They Were Found Dead in Ditch Speaks Out

Police Officer Who Followed Holiday Couple Before They Were Found Dead in Ditch Speaks Out

A police officer who had followed a couple on a short holiday trip before they were tragically found dead in a roadside ditch has spoken out during an inquest into their deaths.

Ellie Marsden, 27, and Ryan Duffy, 30, were discovered deceased at the side of a remote Cumbrian road after failing to return from what was intended to be a peaceful getaway. The young couple had travelled to the Lake District for a brief overnight stay, but their disappearance sparked concern when friends and family were unable to contact them.

The inquest, held this week at Kendal Coroner’s Court, heard evidence from PC Daniel Robson, the officer who had briefly followed the couple’s vehicle after it had been flagged on police systems. PC Robson told the court that the car was not initially believed to be stolen or involved in any crime but was noted due to an administrative alert, prompting him to follow the vehicle for a short distance.

“I followed the car for a few minutes along the A595,” PC Robson said. “They were driving cautiously, nothing out of the ordinary. At the time, there was no reason to initiate a stop or pursue further. I let them continue on their way.”

Tragically, just hours later, the couple’s car veered off the road and landed in a ditch concealed by undergrowth. It wasn’t until two days later that their bodies were discovered by a passing motorist who noticed debris near the edge of the road and contacted authorities.

Post-mortem reports confirmed that both Ellie and Ryan died from injuries consistent with a high-impact crash. Toxicology results revealed no traces of drugs or alcohol in their systems, and weather conditions on the night of the incident were described as “clear but cold.”

PC Robson said he was “deeply affected” when he learned about the couple’s deaths.

“You always hope the people you see on duty are going to reach their destination safely,” he said. “To hear that they hadn’t made it—it’s something that sticks with you.”

The inquest heard that the stretch of road where the crash occurred has a known history of accidents. Several calls have been made over the years for better lighting and improved barriers, but significant safety upgrades have yet to be implemented.

Ellie’s mother, Susan Marsden, who was present at the hearing, gave an emotional statement: “Ellie and Ryan were full of life. They went away for a bit of peace and ended up losing their lives. We just want answers—and for no other family to go through this.”

Coroner Alan Weston concluded the inquest by recording a verdict of accidental death. He acknowledged the tragedy and expressed his condolences to the families, stating that while the circumstances were heartbreaking, there was no evidence of foul play or recklessness involved.

The families are now calling for a safety review of the road, hoping their loss might prompt changes that could save lives in the future.

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