Two childhood friends tragically lost their lives in a quad bike accident while on holiday in Fethiye, Turkey, an inquest has heard.
Cory Dove and Matthew Steward, both 26, suffered fatal injuries after their quad bike overturned and crashed into a minibus on May 13. Essex Coroner’s Court was told that both men were thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes ruled their deaths as the result of a road traffic collision, expressing deep sympathy for the families’ unimaginable pain.
Fatal Holiday Crash in Turkey
The inquest revealed that the two men, who grew up together in Harwich, were holidaying separately with their families but had arranged to meet up.
After spending the day riding quad bikes, Mr. Dove drove them to a nearby shop around 11:55 PM local time. A traffic report from Turkish police stated that he was “driving fast on a winding road” before losing control.
Quad Bike Collides with Minibus
According to the report, Mr. Dove veered onto the wrong side of the road, colliding with a minibus transporting hotel employees.
The minibus driver, who was not prosecuted, claimed that Mr. Dove appeared to “panic and swerve” before the crash. The impact shattered the bus’s windows, with glass injuring the driver’s eyes.
However, coroner Mr. Brookes questioned the Turkish police’s assessment, noting there was no clear evidence proving he was speeding.
Severe Injuries and Immediate Fatalities
Post-mortem examinations revealed that both Mr. Dove and Mr. Steward suffered multiple fractures, internal injuries, and pulmonary oedema—a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs.
The crash caused the quad bike to be dragged across the road, worsening the severity of their injuries. They were pronounced dead shortly after midnight on May 14.
Family Tributes: ‘Loving, Caring, and Overprotective’
In an emotional tribute, Mr. Dove’s mother, Sarah, described her son as an experienced quad bike rider.
“He knew how to ride, which makes this so hard to believe he’s gone,” she said, remembering him as kind, polite, and always willing to help others.
Mr. Steward’s family honored him as a devoted father, twin brother, and cherished partner.
“Most of all, Matthew was an amazing dad. He loved his children and was always loving, caring, and overprotective,” they said.
The tragic accident has left both families heartbroken, as they remember two young men who still had so much life ahead of them.
