A Co Tyrone mother expresses frustration over the lengthy wait for her son’s inquest following a tragic motorway accident nearly seven years ago.
Co Tyrone: A mother is waiting for an inquest into her son’s death on the M1 motorway. It’s been almost seven years since Darryl Thompson died in a crash.
Edwina Thompson-Clarke, Darryl’s mother, says the wait has affected her health. There have been five preliminary hearings, but no official inquest date yet.
On that November night in 2018, Darryl was in a car with friends when an argument broke out. The driver pulled over, and Darryl was hit by another vehicle.
After the accident, Edwina received the heartbreaking news that her son had died. She recalls the panic and fear when she learned about the incident.
Edwina describes the inquest delays as “very disappointing.” She thought it would happen in February, but now it’s pushed to March with no confirmed date.
She wants the inquest to be thorough and not rushed. The stress has taken a toll on her mental and physical health, leading to anxiety and sleep issues.
Additionally, Edwina faces unexpected costs for the inquest. She applied for legal aid but was denied, forcing her to start a fundraising page for legal fees.
As she remembers Darryl, who would have turned 29 soon, she describes him as kind and friendly. He was loved by many and always ready to help others.
Edwina hopes for answers soon, as the wait continues to weigh heavily on her.