Fatal crash victims' families frustrated by three-year delay for answers

The family of one of three people killed in a 2023 crash in Cardiff say they are "frustrated" at delays to a police disciplinary process.

Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, died after their car crashed into woodland in St Mellons, and they lay undiscovered for two days. Two others were seriously injured.

The car was located on 6 March, despite missing persons' reports.

In November, the IOPC said four Gwent Police officers would face gross misconduct hearings, but Eve's family said they had been told one officer has resigned.

The police watchdog said its investigation had been "complex" while Gwent Police said disciplinary action could continue even if an officer left the force.

The group were last seen at about 02:00 GMT on 4 March 2023.

At the time, police believed the group had been involved in a crash, but did not find the white Volkswagen Tiguan car that had crashed deep in undergrowth near a roundabout, on the A48 near Cardiff.

The mother of one of the group has previously criticised the police response saying they "didn't seem to think it was worth investigating".

At the three-year anniversary of the crash, Eve's family said their pain felt "just as raw as it did on the day we lost her".

They said delays had left them feeling "confused, frustrated, and let down".

"We cannot understand why it is taking so long for answers that should have been prioritised from the beginning," they added.

In a statement in November, the IOPC said it had examined Gwent Police's response to the missing person reports made by family members of the victims "including if they were appropriately risk assessed, reviewed and resourced".

At the time it added six police officers would face a misconduct process over their actions, including three PCs and one sergeant who faced allegations of gross misconduct.

Any officer found to breach the standards expected may face a misconduct hearing if the allegation is less serious and something that could be dealt with sanctions, like a written warning or training.

Gross misconduct is any action considered so serious that it could warrant dismissal.

In December last year, two officers were cleared of misconduct, relating to allegations that one failed to review all available information at the time of conducting a risk assessment for the missing women, while the other was alleged to have not carried out adequate house searches.

The meeting decided no further action was necessary and there is currently no date listed on the Gwent Police website for the officers facing gross misconduct.

According to Eve's family, one police officer has now resigned, leaving them "devastated".

They said this was despite being told the process against the now former officer would continue.

"It denies us the chance to hear him explain his actions, and it denies Eve the justice she deserves," they said.

"All we want — and all we have ever wanted — is the truth about what happened to Eve, and assurance that no other family will ever have to endure what we are going through."

Even if an officer resigns before a police misconduct hearing, proceedings will usually take place in their absence and a decision made about whether misconduct is proven or not proven.

Dep Ch Con Nicky Brain from Gwent Police said: "As soon as the investigation was handed back to us from the IOPC in November of last year, all misconduct proceedings which could be managed within the organisation have taken place."

"Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with the family and friends of Darcy, Eve and Rafel who tragically lost their lives and those who sustained injuries that night.

"In line with the relevant legislation, it is a choice for any individual facing any allegations of misconduct whether they wish to remain employed by the police service.

"If someone chooses to resign while under investigation for misconduct then proceedings can still take place with the sanction of 'dismissal if they had not previously left the police service' as an option for the misconduct panel.

An IOPC spokesperson said its "thoughts and sympathies" were with the families affected, and acknowledged the "length of time they have had to wait".

"This was a complex and resource intensive investigation, but it was important for public confidence in policing that this tragic incident was subject to thorough and independent scrutiny.

"We concluded our investigation in October 2025. It is now for Gwent Police to arrange and hold the outstanding disciplinary proceedings.

"We understand that the families, quite rightly, want answers and accountability and we hope our investigation findings go some way to providing that," the spokesperson added.

A separate investigation by South Wales Police into the crash has concluded, and the force said the file was now with HM Coroner ahead of future inquests.

• Sophie Russon, 20, Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, had gone to The Muffler club in Newport late on the Friday

• They then travelled 36 miles (58km) to Trecco Bay Caravan Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend county, with Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Shane Loughlin, 32

• Missing persons' reports were made to Gwent Police on Saturday at 19:34, 19:43 and 21:32

• Another final missing person report was made to South Wales Police at 17:37 on Sunday

• The white Volkswagen Tiguan had crashed into a wooded area

• The group were not found until the early hours of Monday, almost two days after they were last seen