Ellie Durn Speaks out About the Sentencing, Following the Tragic Death of Her Son, Tyler Durn

16th Mar 2026

Ellie and Tyler Durn

Eighteen‑year‑old motorcyclist Tyler Durn tragically died after a collision on 19 May 2023. Emergency services attended the scene, but Tyler was pronounced dead after his motorcycle was struck by a Vauxhall Vivaro van driven by 38‑year‑old Ashley Quinton, who was later found to be more than double the legal drink‑drive limit.

Speaking after the sentencing, Tyler’s mum, Ellie Durn, said: 

“It’s been almost three years since my boy was taken and I still struggle to talk about him in the past tense. He is my first born son and we were incredibly close. He was the happiest, most loving and energetic person you could ever meet and I feel so lucky to be his mum. He would light up the room with his laughter and smile. 

“We had an amazing bond and were best friends. We shared the same passions and we loved our random day trips all together as a family. 

Tyler and brother Freddie

“Ty lived at home and was very close to his two younger brothers who he doted on. His youngest brother Freddie was only 22mths old when he was taken and he still asks “Where’s my Ty Ty?” And looks for him, It breaks my heart.

“Ty is also a daddy to Clementine-Rose who was due to turn two the week after he was taken. Clementine and her daddy adore each other. As soon as she saw him walk in the room her face would light up – they were always playing and filling the room with laughter.

“She’s now four and has started school. She sees other children being collected by their daddies or attending assemblies and asks “Why can’t my daddy be here?” She continues to have night terrors and will sob for her daddy daily. 

“Clementine’s mum describes feeling constantly sad that Ty can’t be around to see his girl reach milestones. She says how lucky they are to have Ty as such a massive part of their lives though.

“The incident happened a stones’ throw from my house and every time I go down that road I’m reminded of the way I lost my son. I have flashbacks of the night I lost him and sometimes have to pull over to try to breathe through it. I struggle mentally and am at my son’s resting place for hours every day just to be close to him.

“We are left with an irreversible loss, an unending sorrow and my sons’ future has been stolen through a thoroughly preventable act of selfishness and stupidity from Quinton who chose to drive under the influence that night.

“The fact that he allegedly forgot that he was due to appear at court today is yet another insult to me and the rest of Ty’s family. This day has loomed over our heads for a long time and having to sit at court even longer because it was of such little significance speaks volumes.

“I’m not happy with his sentence but I was never going to be. No sentence will ever be long enough for what he’s done.”

Tyler Durn

Victoria Moore from HCC Solicitors is representing Ellie in a civil claim. She said:

“Ellie has said she will never be the same person as she was before Ty passed away. Understandably she has struggled to move on since he died and says the way he was taken will traumatise her family forever.

“The legal process has been really difficult for the whole family – hearing details of what happened that day – but it’s been important to them to get answers.”

Contact Our Experts

If your family has been devastated by the loss of a loved one, contact our experts for confidential and compassionate advice.