A 19-year-old Derby, England driver’s casual remark about being too intoxicated to drive turned tragic as she lost control of her car, resulting in the death of her 17-year-old friend.
In October 2021, an accident occurred which has now come to light through a video shared by Derbyshire police.
Melissa Keilloh, at the time 19, decided to drive Phoebe Johnson, aged 17, and another relative home after they had been at a gathering where alcohol was consumed. When inquired if she was fit to drive, Keilloh remarked, “I’m messed up.”
Within a quarter of an hour of their drive, the car, driven at 72 mph on A514, hit a curb. This impact caused the vehicle to spin out of control and it flipped. Phoebe was thrown out and sustained severe wounds.
When Keilloh realized the magnitude of the incident, she was heard saying, “I’ve killed Phoebe.” Despite Phoebe’s distress, Keilloh tried to console her, saying she felt sober.
With the agreement of Phoebe’s parents, the video from Keilloh’s dashboard camera was made public to caution against driving after consuming alcohol. Both of Phoebe’s parents highlighted the unpredictability of life.
Statements collected from attendees of the gathering mentioned that the initial plan was not to drive. This decision, however, was altered shortly after.
In January, after admitting to her actions, Keilloh was given a three-year jail term and a six-and-a-half-year driving prohibition.
Derbyshire Police publicized this incident as part of their “Just a Second” initiative, emphasizing the risks of impaired driving.
