Cory Dove and Matthew Steward inquest: Childhood friends died when quad bike collided with minibus in Turkey

Tragic End to a Holiday: Two Childhood Friends Lose Their Lives in Turkey

Two childhood friends from Harwich in Essex, Matthew Steward and Cory Dove, both 26 years old, tragically lost their lives in a quad bike accident while on holiday in Turkey. The incident occurred on May 13 of last year, just before midnight, when the quad bike they were riding collided head-on with a minibus. According to a report presented at an inquest held in Chelmsford, the accident happened on a winding road where Mr. Dove, who was driving the quad bike, lost control while speeding. Both men were thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene from multiple traumatic injuries.

The inquest revealed that the minibus was traveling on the correct side of the road in the opposite direction when the quad bike crossed into its lane. The bus driver, who was en route to a hotel to pick up staff, stated that he was traveling at a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) and had slowed down easily. However, the quad bike violated the lane and collided with the front left side of the bus. Turkish officials concluded that Mr. Dove was driving too fast, which led to the fatal crash.

No Action Taken Against the Bus Driver

Essex’s senior coroner, Lincoln Brookes, informed the inquest that Turkish prosecutors had decided not to take any action against the bus driver. This decision was based on evidence gathered from the scene and witness statements. The coroner noted that while a police report was available, it lacked the depth of a forensic collision investigation. Key details, such as whether either vehicle had mechanical defects, were not provided. However, post-mortem examinations conducted in the UK confirmed that both men were within the legal UK drink-drive limit at the time of the accident.

The families of the deceased expressed their grief and disbelief at the loss of their loved ones. Cory Dove’s mother, Sarah, shared a heartfelt statement during the inquest, describing her son as a loving father to his two children, aged eight and one, and a devoted partner to his girlfriend. She emphasized that Cory had grown up riding motorbikes and quad bikes, making the accident all the more shocking. “He knew how to ride, which makes this so hard to believe he’s gone,” she said. The family of Matthew Steward also shared a statement, highlighting his passion for metal detecting and Christmas lights. They expressed their deep sorrow, stating, “We were robbed of many fulfilling years. He will be truly missed.”

Remembering the Victims: Cory Dove and Matthew Steward

Cory Dove, a 26-year-old construction worker, was described as a family man who loved his children and friends dearly. He had traveled to Turkey with his girlfriend and their two young sons, where he reunited with his childhood friend Matthew Steward. On the evening of the accident, the two friends decided to go out together, a decision that would ultimately lead to their tragic deaths. Cory’s family remembered him as someone who had a lifelong passion for motorbikes and quad bikes, making the circumstances of his death even more devastating.

Matthew Steward, also 26, was a factory worker who shared a passion for metal detecting and Christmas lights. His family recalled his enthusiasm for these hobbies, which brought him joy and fulfillment. Matthew, too, was a devoted father, and his family described his loss as an irreplaceable void in their lives. Both men were young, full of life, and had so much to look forward to, making their deaths a heartbreaking loss for their families and friends.

Reflections on the Accident and Its Aftermath

The inquest also heard that Cory and Matthew had made the journey to a local shop multiple times that day without incident. Cory’s partner shared that the pair had been familiar with the route, which adds to the tragedy of the accident. Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes extended his condolences to the families, acknowledging the immense pain they were enduring. “The pain shared, I cannot begin to imagine,” he said. His words echoed the sentiments of everyone present, as the court grappled with the untimely loss of two young fathers who had their entire lives ahead of them.

The accident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of road safety, especially when traveling abroad. While the exact circumstances of the crash may never be fully understood, the loss of Cory Dove and Matthew Steward has left an indelible mark on their loved ones and community. Their memories will live on through their families, friends, and the countless lives they touched during their time on this earth.