Alex Evans jailed for causing Gracie Vater’s death by dangerous quad bike driving while disqualified.
On that day, Evans rode a quad bike with Gracie Vater, 22, who sat sidesaddle on the rear rack. The bike was only meant for one rider, and they were on Whitehouse Lane near Shipton Moyne when the incident happened.
Gracie fell from the quad bike into the road, suffering a severe head injury. Witnesses reported that she breathed but did not respond, and people stopped to help her right away.
Bystanders started CPR before paramedics arrived, and an air ambulance also came to the scene. However, Evans left while people helped Gracie, an act the judge called cowardly.
Evans stated he left because of panic, knowing he should not drive, having been banned two months prior. Police arrested Evans later that day at his home in Corsham.
Police found the quad bike hidden away in a lean-to behind a pallet door and seized it for forensic tests. Gracie died in the hospital on Christmas Day at 7 p.m.
Gloucestershire Police investigated the incident and charged Evans with several offenses. He was jailed for two years per count, with the sentences running at the same time, and he faces a six-year driving ban.
In court, Gracie’s mom shared a statement, describing Gracie as kind and bubbly, caring, thoughtful, and generous, and always willing to help others.
Gracie’s mom described her as her best friend and said her loss created a huge hole, making life never the same. She found it hard to live without her daughter.
Angela accepted Alex as family during their relationship, with the family spending time with them often. She was happy to see Gracie happy with Alex.
However, Angela stated Alex’s actions after the incident upset her deeply, feeling he treated Gracie with disrespect. She couldn’t believe he left her there.
The court heard that Evans often drove the quad bike with Gracie on the back at work, a common practice according to them, and that Gracie had not fallen off before. The judge said it was unsafe to have a passenger, and Evans was responsible as the driver. His lawyer called it a personal tragedy.
Evans was banned for drug driving in April 2023 but didn’t tell his boss, fearing he would lose his job and home. Evans pleaded guilty on January 6 and must serve half his sentence and retake an extended driving test.