Flowers left for 'sweetest little boy' who died on A390 as residents say 'more accidents will happen'

Touching floral and teddy bear tributes have been left for a little boy who died after being hit by a car on the A390 near St Austell last week. It has prompted residents to call for change and a speed reduction at the accident blackspot.

Now named as local boy Dexter Chapman, aged five, he suffered fatal injuries in the crash on Thursday (April 25) and died at the scene of the 60mph road at Penpillick. In a moving tribute he's been remembered as a "beautiful little ray of sunshine" as family and friends are raising money to help his parents with funeral costs.

The scene of the crash sits on a bend just moments after the speed limit changes from 30mph to 60mph from Par heading towards Lostwithiel. In November the 30mph speed limit was moved further up the hill, encouraging motorists to keep their speed down for longer.

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Now locals say more needs to be done as the accident hotspot continues to be a "race track" and "dangerous" with some saying they wouldn't be surprised if there were more fatalities to come. The area of 'Higher Penpillick Hill' that has the single carriageway bend has been previously cited as one of Cornwall's accident blackspots with 20 accidents in the past ten years according to Crash Map, a UK road safety map.

Posting to a local community Facebook group following the tragedy, one resident said: "I live in Pontsmill and trying to pull onto Penpillick is regularly dangerous as people seem to think they need to pick up high speed to be able to get up the hill."

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"With the speed of some still on the road today... the death has had no reflection at all," said another. "I think it's time as a community we stood up and made our voices heard.

"It's an accident black spot. We may be new to the road as residents but been in the area for a number of years and know the reputation of the road."

Another said it was about time public bodies "address this piece of road as a matter of urgency". He said it was being "used as a race track rather than an overtaking lane" and said: "The speed needs to be reduced before more serious accidents occur."

A fundraiser in memory of Dexter was set up by Casey Bowerman, a friend of the family, who described him as "the most loving little boy". Casey wrote: “Hello all, it’s extremely sad to have to be writing this however we all really feel that Dexter must have the absolute best send off and I also would like to be able to help Bryony & Dan as much as possible with some financial stresses so they don’t feel they have to go back to work so soon & grieve for little Dexty.

“Some of you may know & some of you may find out through this post that Dexter was the 5 year old little boy who sadly lost his life on Penpillick hill after being hit by a car on Thursday April 25th 2024. I have been speaking to Bryony & Dan and all they want is to be able to give their special little boy the send off he truly deserves.

“Dexter was a beautiful little ray of sunshine who brightened up any room & the most loving little boy who would so often like to give the elderly neighbour cuddles & was just the sweetest little boy. So fearless & carefree with such a loving spirit. He is going to be so missed by so many! Let’s show this family how much love & support we have for them at this devastating time.

“So much love to Bryony (Mum), Dan (Dad), Theo, Tyrese, Drake & Cooper (Brothers), Janelle (Sister) & all of his family & friends that were able to watch & love this little boy for his 5 years of life. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this & a huge thank you to all that donate. I will update regularly.”

Tributes left at the scene echo these words remembering Dexter as the "sweetest" little boy. Teddybears and toys have also been left in the spot in his memory.

Sergeant Phil Brown, of the Serious Collisions Investigation Team, said following his death: "Our thoughts are with the family following this tragic incident. They are being supported by specialist officers. We would like to thank those members of public who stopped to help at the scene.

"Officers are investigating the circumstances that led to the collision and we would particularly like to speak to any witnesses who we have not yet spoken to."

Police are now investigating the fatal crash. If you witnessed the incident or have any dashcam footage which could help officers, call 101 quoting log 547 of 25/04/24.