A 69-year-old driver faces sentencing after a jury convicted her of causing death by careless driving in the tragic incident that killed a 53-year-old Take That fan en route to a concert.
The Fatal Collision
Fiona Hodge, from Bristol, struck Donna Crossman with her Citroen C1 on June 9, 2024, as Crossman walked across Brunel Way toward Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium with two friends. Hodge’s red vehicle mounted the pavement, narrowly missing the companions before hitting Crossman and hurling her over a railing onto a BMX pump track below the flyover.
Crossman, from Wales, sustained catastrophic injuries and passed away around midnight after her family arrived in Bristol near 10:30 p.m. BST. Post-crash tests confirmed Hodge was negative for alcohol and drugs.
Court Testimony and Verdict
At Bristol Crown Court, Hodge denied responsibility, stating she had no recollection of the moments before the crash. She later received a formal epilepsy diagnosis from neurologists. During police questioning at the scene, Hodge remarked she “can’t account for what happened” and had “lost her concentration.” She denied any medical condition, episode, or loss of consciousness.
Hodge testified about an “incredible jolt” followed by a rapid realization: “I was on the kerb… and in front of me were three women.” She then told passengers, “I think I may have killed someone.”
Prosecutor Adam Vaitilingham KC outlined the events, noting Hodge had experienced prior “weird” episodes linked to undiagnosed epilepsy but no prior seizures. Defense counsel Ian Bridge argued the collision likely stemmed from this undiagnosed condition.
After more than six hours of deliberation, the jury delivered a guilty verdict on Monday. Judge Peter Blair KC described the case as “an enormously sad and tragic case for everyone involved.” Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.
Victim’s Legacy
Donna Crossman served over two decades in the RAF. Her father, Steve Price, called her “perfect” and “adventurous,” adding, “She was wonderful, so caring, so loving… She had a good life, she put a lot in, but she had so much more to give. Her circle of friends is massive, and it’s affecting everyone.”
