Brogen-Lea Storey

I am Nicholas Walker, Assistant Coroner, for the coroner area of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

On 2 nd December 2022 I commenced an investigation into the death of Brogen-Lea Debbie Marie Storey. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 11 th July 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was that Brogen-Lea died after sustaining catastrophic injuries as a pedestrian in a road traffic collision

Brogen-Lea, a schoolgirl, was walking home in the Cannock area of Staffordshire at about 6:30pm on 29 th November 2022. She was late and was likely in a rush. Brogen- Lea emerged from a footpath which is bisected by a busy road subject to a 50mph limit. She continued into the carriageway and was struck by a car. The driver of the car had not seen her, likely because of a combination of her clothing and the failure of streetlamps in the area. Brogen-Lea sustained injuries from which she later died.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. – The track along which Brogen-Lea walked is well-used and is bisected by a busy road with traffic travelling at speed. The road concerned is the A460 Eastern Way, Cannock and the footpath runs through the wooded area of Mill Hayes and Hawkes Green Nature Reserve. I am concerned that there is nothing to:

1. Warn drivers about the prospect of pedestrians crossing
2. Warn pedestrians about the road ahead
3. Prevent pedestrians walking into the road
4. Allow pedestrians safely to cross the road

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you or your organisation has the power to take such action.