'My son lost his friends in a crash he barely survived'

The mother of a young man who survived a crash which killed his three best friends has said her son is "very, very lucky" to be alive.

Spencer Elliott-Delaney, 21, from Bradford, remains in hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries in the collision on Keighley Road in Illingworth on the evening of 18 March.

Spencer was travelling in a white Ford Fiesta, alongside his friends, two men aged 22 and another aged 21.All three of them were killed in the crash, which also involved a blue BMW and a parked car.

Tara Vickers, Spencer's mother, said: "The lives of all four families and their friends and loved ones have been tragically and unimaginably impacted.

"Life will never be the same again."

West Yorkshire Police arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving over the crash, but he was later released on bail.

Three people who were travelling in the BMW were also arrested at the scene. A 37-year-old man was questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail.

Two women were also arrested but released without charge, meaning that nobody has yet been charged in relation to the three men's deaths.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, the force said.

Vickers said before the crash her son had been a "very physically fit and active person" who worked as an electrician and had an interest in hiking, motocross and Hyrox training.

She said: "Spencer's injuries are so severe they are life-altering, and rehabilitation to see what the future holds will be a long road.

"We are however beyond grateful he is here to take that journey, and know how very very lucky he is to be here with us."

An online fundraising campaign to support Spencer and his family has raised more than £30,000, and received donations from people as far away as the United States and Australia.

She added: "We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the staff on Ward 7 at Leeds General Infirmary for their phenomenal care, dedication, attention and love that they poured over Spencer and to the wider community who have supported Spencer and continue to do so."

Vickers said her son had lost his three best friends on the night of the crash, and that the thoughts of her and Spencer's loved ones remained with his friends' families.

"We hope the criminal justice system is able to hold those responsible accountable," she added.

The opening of an inquest identified the victims as Corey Graham and Cassius Bryant, both 22, and Thomas Reilly, 21.

At a brief hearing at Bradford Coroner's Court on 7 April, assistant coroner Angela Brocklehurst said police had requested more time to consider if any criminal activity had taken place.

She agreed to suspend the inquest until 7 April 2027.

The hearing was told that Corey was a security guard and Cassius and Thomas were self-employed entrepreneurs.

During the hearing, Brocklehurst said: "These tragic deaths came about as part of a road traffic collision, and there is a lot of evidence required to enable the inquest to be finally resumed."

A date was set for 7 October to allow police to update the coroner on the progress of their investigation.

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