Family left with 'immeasurable' loss after young woman killed in A39 crash

The family of 24-year-old Briony Watkins have paid tribute to her after she sadly died
-Credit: (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)


The family of a young woman who tragically died in a crash have paid tribute to her. Briony Watkins, 24, died after sustaining 'catastrophic' injuries after her boyfriend Sam Box crashed into a bank in Cornwall in April 2023.

Briony, from Pendeen was described as "calm, understanding and quirky" and her family have been left with an "immeasurable" sense of loss. Her mum, Janine, said she feels "lifeless" after her daughters death.

Her sister Sophie said: “Briony is missed more than we could ever express. Her smile and infectious laugh, her beauty, her calm understanding and her quirky ways. Briony was not only my little sister but my god daughter and, after her father left, like my own child and my best friend. The loss we feel is immeasurable.”

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Her mum Janine said: “Singing was everything to Briony. She used to fill our house with her beautiful voice which brought me so much pride and joy to hear. Now the silence is deafening.

The family of 24-year-old Briony Watkins have paid tribute to her after she sadly died
The family of 24-year-old Briony Watkins have paid tribute to her after she sadly died -Credit:Devon and Cornwall Police

"Her love of bees, forget-me-knots and peonies will live with me and many of her friends forever through the tattoos we have had done to remember her by. Losing her has left me lifeless and I count down the days until I can join her. She will always be in my heart and thoughts, and I miss her every minute of every day.”

Box, 25, of Penstowe Road, Kilkhampton has been sentenced following the death of Briony. At Truro Crown Court on Friday, September 20, Box was jailed for seven and a half years for causing death by dangerous driving.

The court saw footage of Box carrying out dangerous manoeuvres on the evening of April 28, 2023, with Briony in the passenger seat. Later that evening, Box was driving at excessive speeds for the foggy conditions and crashed into a bank causing the car to flip and roll along the A39 at Crimp.

Sam Box, 25, from Penstowe Road, Kilkhampton, North Cornwall has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for causing the death of Briony-Storm Watkins, 24, through dangerous driving in April 2023
Sam Box, 25, killed his girlfriend by driving so badly

Briony sustained serious injuries in the crash and was rushed to hospital. Sadly, she was pronounced dead a short time later.

Box also sustained injuries and was taken to hospital. He was released and officers conducted an interview where he provided no comment. He later pleaded guilty and has been jailed for seven and a half years.