Shocking police bodycam footage has showed a driver’s chilling reaction to killing a woman who was on her way to a Take That concert. Fiona Hodge knocked over and killed former Wales netball and women’s rugby manager Donna Crossman in June 2024 when she lost control of her vehicle on Brunel Way near the Bristol stadium where Take That were performing.
Following a week-long trial, a jury found Hodge guilty of causing death by careless driving. The 69-year-old claimed she had suffered an epileptic seizure behind the wheel, something the jury at Bristol Crown Court appeared to have rejected.
Now police have released footage of Hodge being questioned about the collision by officers just an hour after it happened.
In the chilling footage, Hodge appears matter of fact about the collision and said it was a “very nasty accident” that happened “very quick”.
She also she didn’t “really” see Mrs Crossman, before adding: “She seems to have gone over the side of the bridge on the side of the road.”
Fiona Hodge was found guilty of causing the death of a Welsh concert-goer two years ago -Credit:Avon & Somerset Police / SWNS
The court heard how, just before 5.30pm on June 9 2024, Hodge, a 69-year-old retired social worker from St Werburghs, Bristol, was driving along the A370 Brunel Way into Bristol with two friends, returning from a walk in the Mendips.
The victim, 53-year-old Mrs Crossman, was walking towards Ashton Gate with her friends to attend the Take That concert at Ashton Gate Stadium. As the trio walked over the bridge, the red Citroen being driven by Hodge mounted the pavement, narrowly missing Mrs Crossman’s two friends before colliding with her and hitting the railings, knocking her over the flyover and causing her to plummet 25ft.
Mrs Crossman, who was described as a “fabulous, caring individual”, was rushed to hospital but sadly died of her injuries a day later. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here
Speaking to officers shortly after the collision, Hodge said: “I was driving along this road, which is A370, towards Bristol city centre. The road wasn’t busy. I was driving within the speed limit.
“I was coming home from a day’s walking in the Mendips. I was chatting with my friends and I mounted the pavement and hit a person.
“It was very quick. I didn’t really see the person. She seems to have gone over the side of the bridge on the side of the road
“I don’t know why I lost my concentration or mounted the pavement. I can’t account for what happened.
“I can’t account for what happened really. [It was] a very nasty accident.”
Donna Crossman, from Bridgend, was killed on her way to a Take That concert on June 9, 2024 -Credit:Price family handout
A number of witnesses gave evidence during the trial, including friends of the Hodge, as well as two independent witnesses who were driving a separate car. Bodycam footage from these witnesses shows them saying they saw a red car “swerving between lanes in front of them” before the crash.
Designated investigating officer Noelie Poupard from Avon and Somerset Police said: “This was an incredibly tragic incident which resulted in the death of a much-loved daughter, wife and friend who was on her way out to enjoy her evening with her friends.
“It was the defence’s case that Hodge had suffered an epileptic seizure at the time of the collision, however it appears the jury rejected this idea and felt her lack of care and attention is what caused Mrs Crossman’s death.
“Mrs Crossman’s family have endured a great deal of pain over the past 18 months and they have shown great strength and dignity throughout the investigation and trial. My hope is that this result give them some closure.”
The case was adjourned for Hodge to be sentenced at a later date.
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