Actress and singer, 30, killed by driver, 88, who hit the accelerator instead of the brake
A SINGER was crushed to death after an elderly woman accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake, an inquest heard.
Rachael Mary Skelton, 30, was painting furniture for her new home at her gran Joy Sandell’s home when the tragedy unfolded.
Joan Daphne Buckett, 88, was manoeuvring her automatic Toyota Yaris on the driveway when she tapped the accelerator.
The car surged forward and smashed into Rachael, who was crouching down at the time.
She was crushed between the front of the car and a fence and was tragically declared dead less than an hour later from a head injury.
Hampshire Police attempted to bring charges against Buckett including gross negligence manslaughter and death by careless driving, an inquest was told.
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The Crown Prosecution Service determined there was no realistic prospect of conviction as the offence did not take place on a public road.
This was despite a police probe revealing there was no mechanical defect with the car and a medical episode was ruled out.
Ms Buckett, who wears two hearing aids and gets around with the assistance of a walking stick, has surrendered her driving licence.
The inquest was told Rachael was staying with her gran in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight during lockdown when the horror took place.
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She was crouched down painting furniture on June 23, 2020, as she was planning to move in with her boyfriend.
Ms Buckett was leaving the home after popping over to see Rachael’s gran, who she’d known since 1967, for a cup of tea.
The hearing was told she ignored calls to wait for assistance to manoeuvre off the driveway when she put her foot on the wrong pedal – sending the car surging towards Rachael.
Witnesses described hearing “mega revs” as the car jumped forward around 10 to 12ft before ploughing into the performer and continuing for a further 3 to 4ft down the driveway.
The car also hit Rachael’s mum as it sped past before coming to a stop against a fence.
Ms Buckett was seen looking “weird” with a blank expression on her face as Rachael’s dad and neighbours came rushing over.
Recording a narrative verdict, Coroner Caroline Sumeray called for those who drive past their prime to consider giving up their driving licences.
Rachael’s family paid tribute to the actress after the verdict and called for a change in the Road Traffic Act.
They are asking for the law to include incidents that take place on private driveways and gardens and also want mandatory testing for older drivers beyond the age of 70.
The family said: “Rachael was just 30 when she was killed. She has been robbed of a long and blissfully happy life surrounded by family and friends who are now left totally bereft and completely lost without her.
“If you are one of the many people who know deep down that they should not be driving any more, please STOP.
“Don’t risk putting your friends and family in the position where they have to support you for the rest of your days as you struggle to live with the blood of an innocent person on your hands.
“Our beautiful Rachael has been taken from us and the trauma of witnessing the violent and completely avoidable death of our daughter is simply too much to bear”.
Rachael’s partner of four years Richard Morris also hit out at the law and urged family members of older drivers to get involved to stop them driving.
He said: “I cannot describe the loss of Rachael, or how it has completely changed my life.
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“I wanted nothing more than to enjoy our first home, our children and all the adventures we had planned together. She truly was a one of a kind, and the nicest person you could ever meet.
“Although nothing can ever replace Rachael and her beautiful zest for life, I will continue to honour and remember her in everything I do. I will forever be grateful for the many happy and beautiful years we spent together.”