A tragic brother and sister who were killed in a suspected hit-and-run as they crossed a road have been pictured for the first time. Roman and Darcie Keeling, 16 and nine, were hit by a car near their home on Saturday evening. Emergency services raced to the scene in Pitsea, Essex, but the teenage boy and his younger sister could not be saved.
Local residents claimed they were on an electric scooter when the tragedy occurred. Roman and Darcie’s mother, Emma Keeling, described the pair as her “beautiful babies” in a tearful Facebook post as she thanked first responders for their attempts to help.
Emma stated, "My 2 beautiful babies Roman and Darcie sadly lost their lives last night in this awful accident. The driver fled the scene. We are currently grieving at this difficult time. I wish to thank everyone who has offered their support and to the paramedics, air ambulance crew and members of the public who tried in vain to save them.”
She visited the scene of the tragedy with her partner yesterday, with the siblings' father, Alec Casselden, making emotional posts on Facebook, expressing his heartbreak and love for his children. Sophie Luck, the partner of Roman and Darcie’s uncle Adam Keeling, confirmed their deaths on social media, writing, “I feel numb writing this & seeing it all over social media. Unfortunately this was Adam’s nephew Roman and niece Darcie. Sending Emma/Al/Mads/Harry & all the family so much love.”
A relative described them as “angels,” and the family was reported to be “numb” after the loss. Following the crash, the car allegedly failed to stop and was later discovered abandoned nearby. Essex Police arrested a man and woman on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of the accident.
One eyewitness recounted the harrowing scene, stating it was “the worst thing I have ever seen.” Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper emphasized the unimaginable difficulties the family is facing during this time. A local community rallied together, with around 20 members leaving floral tributes at the site of the incident. Cards were left, including one from school staff, saying, “I'm so sorry they 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 card read, “You were both taken too soon. You will never be forgotten.” Friends of the grieving family initiated a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs, reaching £2,920 from over 150 donations. The organizers stated, “Tragedy has struck our community, leaving two young lives lost far too soon. We are heartbroken for the families and loved ones of these precious children. Any donation, big or small, will help ease their burden.”
Meanwhile, across the ocean, another hit-and-run incident unfolded. A 12-year-old girl was struck by the driver of a Hyundai Sonata on Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, after she fell from her electric scooter and landed on the road. Local police reported the driver briefly stopped before fleeing the scene.
The girl sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital, where she remains in stable but serious condition. Authorities are actively searching for the driver after recovering the vehicle involved at the intersection of Kensington Avenue and Venango Street. The Philadelphia Police Department has confirmed the investigation is underway.
Both tragic incidents highlight the grievous consequences of reckless driving and the urgent need to prioritize road safety, especially for children. Communities on both sides of the Atlantic are grappling with grief and anger over the senseless loss of young lives.
Roman and Darcie Keeling’s family continues to seek solace and support as they navigate their overwhelming loss. With community backing and fundraising efforts, they are finding ways to honor the memory of their “beautiful babies.” Meanwhile, as police work to bring those responsible for these incidents to justice, they remind us all of the importance of safety on the roads for our most vulnerable members, our children.