The scene was one of unimaginable devastation, a collision that claimed the lives of two young men, Owen Bartlett and Taylor Antwiss. The impact was so forceful, so complete, that it left an indelible mark on all who investigated.
Steven Miller, the driver of the delivery van, bore the weight of the moment, recalling only bracing for the inevitable. He suffered minor injuries, a stark contrast to the fate of those in the other vehicle, but the psychological scars would undoubtedly run deeper.
A forensic investigation revealed a critical detail about the car driven by Bartlett and Antwiss: it had been extensively modified. Aftermarket seats, a different steering wheel, and, most alarmingly, the complete removal of airbags. These alterations would become a focal point of the inquiry.
Coroner Caroline Sumeray acknowledged the modifications, stating the removal of airbags was “not a sensible decision.” However, she also conceded that, given the sheer force of the crash, their presence might not have altered the outcome.
The photographs from the wreckage were described as “horrifying” and “amongst the most upsetting” the coroner had ever seen. The extent of the damage spoke volumes about the speed at which the Civic was traveling, a speed that ultimately sealed its occupants’ fate.
Evidence indicated Miller attempted to avoid the collision, instinctively veering left, but the Civic’s trajectory left him with little chance. It was a desperate maneuver, ultimately futile against the impending impact.
Owen Bartlett, originally from Portugal, found joy in his work as a barista, while Taylor Antwiss was diligently pursuing his trade as an apprentice electrician. Both were at the beginning of their lives, full of potential and promise.
Their families, understandably overwhelmed with grief, chose not to attend the hearing, relying instead on police liaison officers to represent their interests. The pain of losing a child is a burden no parent should have to bear.
Post-mortem examinations revealed the brutal nature of their injuries: severe traumatic chest and abdominal injuries for Bartlett, and multiple traumatic injuries for Antwiss. The speed and force of the impact left little chance of survival.
Following the tragedy, an outpouring of grief and remembrance flooded in. Taylor Antwiss was remembered as “loving, caring and kind,” a son and brother whose absence left an unfillable void in his family’s lives.
Owen Bartlett’s family described him as “amazing, kind, gentle, and funny,” a cherished son whose memory would be treasured forever. Their words painted a picture of two vibrant young men, lost far too soon.
In her concluding remarks, Coroner Sumeray offered a somber reflection. “They would have barely known what happened,” she said, acknowledging the swiftness and finality of their deaths. “It’s a tragedy, and my heart goes out to their families.”
