Mum of brother and sister killed in ‘hit and run’ pays tribute to ‘beautiful angels’

Josh Milton and Jen Mills

Published February 1, 2025 10:11pm Updated February 4, 2025 3:10pm

Tributes have been paid to the two children who died following a collision in Pitsea on Saturday (1 February).Sixteen year-old Roman Casselden will leave a ?legacy is one of selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people?.His nine year-old sister Darcie is described as ?a wonderful individual who brought joy and inspiration to those lucky enough to know her.?Roman and Darcie, who Essex Police are now in a position to name, died following the incident in Ashlyns at around 6.25pm. — Roman and Darcie Keeling died on the scene of the collision (Picture: Essex Police)

The mum of a brother and sister killed by a car as they crossed the road in Essex has paid tribute.

Roman Keeling, 16, and sister Darcie, nine, died at the scene of the collision in a junction in Pitsea on February 1.

In a tribute today, their mum said the siblings were known for their ‘love, kindness and spirit’.

Mum Emma said: ‘Roman had a heart of gold, dedicating his time to working with children in the community.

‘His warmth and generosity touched so many lives, bringing smiles, hope, and encouragement to those who needed it most.

‘His legacy is one of selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people.

The family of two siblings, Roman Casselden, 16, and his sister Darcie, 9, have been left devastated after the pair were killed in a hit-and-run incident in Pitsea, Essex on Saturday evening, 1 February 2025. The children were tragically declared dead at the scene after being struck by a vehicle around 6:30pm on Walthams Place, a residential area known for its high traffic flow. The car allegedly crashed into the siblings, who were believed to have been on an e-scooter at the time of the collision, before fleeing the scene. Emergency services rushed to the location, but despite their efforts, the children???s lives could not be saved. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop after the collision, and police have confirmed that a man and woman, both in their 20s, were arrested shortly after on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene. They remain in custody as investigations continue. The siblings??? mother, Emma Keeling, was seen visiting the crash site with her partner on Sunday, while their father, Alex Casselden, expressed his heartbreak on social media. A GoFundMe fundraiser for the children???s family has already raised over ??3,000, with contributions pouring in from the local community. The page described the incident as a "heartbreaking tragedy" and urged people to donate to help with funeral expenses and provide support to the grieving family. Essex Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to come forward. Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Hooper of Essex Police said, ???Specialist officers are supporting the family at this truly unimaginably difficult time. If you saw anything or have any information, please contact us immediately.??? As the investigation unfolds, the local community is rallying around the family, hoping to bring closure and justice for Roman and Darcie. — They were ‘beautiful angels’, their mum Emma said (Picture: UKNIP)

‘Darcie was a soul filled with creativity and beauty, with a passion for art that reflected the depth of her spirit.

‘Through her talent, she painted the world with colour and emotion, leaving behind a piece of herself in every stroke.

‘She was a wonderful individual who brought joy and inspiration to those lucky enough to know her.

‘Though they are no longer here in person, their love, kindness, and spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew them. Their impact will never fade, and their memory will forever be cherished.’

Two people have been arrested for dangerous driving after the children were hit while reportedly riding on an electric scooter together.

The car in the accident was found later abandoned in a nearby street before the arrest of two suspects.

Flowers have been left at the roadside where the children were hit in Pitsea, near Basildon (Picture: PA)

Piles of flowers have now been paid at the roadside where the children were hit, the junction between Ashlyns and the residential street Walthams.

One card left at the scene by a member of staff at a local school read: ‘I’m so sorry that you have both been taken away, far too young.

‘My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who had the joy to know you both, especially your family.’

Another read: ‘You were both taken too soon. You will never be forgotten.’

More than £20,000 has been raised to help ‘honour’ the memories of the two siblings on GoFundMe and pay for their funerals.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said: ‘The whole community is mourning for the loss of Roman and Darcie and we have specialist officers supporting their family.

‘My thoughts, and those of everyone at Essex Police, are with them at this incredibly difficult time. This has been a hugely emotive incident, the impact of which has been felt by everyone in the community, including my own officers.

‘There is a huge amount of rumour and conjecture online about what happened on Saturday night. I know there is a huge amount of interest but this is not helpful to the family of Darcie and Roman.

‘I would ask people not to speculate about what happened. We will investigate and we will find the answers they so desperately need.’

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