Inquest opens into girl, 19, after death in Darlington crash

Carla Scown died at the scene of the horror crash on Yarm Road in Darlington on February 28.

The 19-year-old from Bishop Auckland, County Durham was riding pillion on the motorbike when it crashed with the HGV near the junction with Barrington Way at about 5.30pm.

An inquest opened into her death at Crook Coroner’s Court on Monday (March 17) heard she died of injuries to her upper body and head.

Police at the scene on Yarm Road, Darlington on February 28. (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

Coroner’s officer Alexis Blighe told Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield: “I understand the circumstances to be that Miss Scown was a pillion passenger on a motorcycle which was involved in an RTC on Yarm Road in Darlington.

“On February 29 Dr Nigel Cooper conducted a post-mortem examination at Darlington Memorial Hospital mortuary and gave the cause of death as head, chest and abdominal injuries.”

The inquest was adjourned until a future date.

Carla Scown. (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

Police launched an investigation and arrested the 20-year-old driver of the motorcycle. He was later released under investigation.

Floral tributes remain at the scene almost three weeks on.

Floral tributes at the scene. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Her heartbroken mum Fiona previously said her daughter's death had left a huge hole in her heart.

She said: “Carla was such a loving daughter, sister, cousin and friend who loved all her family and friends.

“Carla will be very sadly missed every single day; she has left a huge hole in so many hearts of her family and friends.”

“She had the time of day for everyone and made all her friends and family so happy with her loving attitude towards them and life.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “Enquiries remain ongoing."