Man charged after best friends Ellie Crossley and Rebecca Doughty, both 20, killed in Christmas crash tragedy

A man has been charged after two best friends died in a tragic Christmas accident.

Longtime friends Ellie Crossley and Rebecca Doughty, both 20, died in a horrifying accident near Mollington, Chester, while driving home from shopping for loved ones.

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Rebecca and Ellie died after their silver Citroen collided with a blue BMW on the A5117 in Dunkirk a month before Christmas.

The girls’ families paid tribute to them after the tragedy, saying they were “really devastated”.

Benjamin Lewis of West Vale, Neston was arrested two days before Christmas.

Now, more than a year and a half later, Lewis has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving resulting in death.

The 30-year-old is due to appear in court next month.

The Cheshire Constabulary said today: “Officials investigating a fatal clash at Dunkirk have charged a man in connection with the incident.”

“Benjamin Lewis, from West Vale, Neston, was arrested on 23 December 2021 following a fatal collision on the A5117 near the junction with the M56.

“The 30-year-old has since been served with a postal summons to appear before Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday 8 September, where he will be charged with two counts of dangerous driving homicide.

“The charges relate to a clash that occurred on November 25, 2021 in which 20-year-old Ellie Crossley and 20-year-old Rebecca Doughty of the Flintshire area were killed.”

Ellie and Rebecca’s families released a joint statement commemorating the couple four days after the crash.

They said: “The girls, both aged 20, were on their way home from Christmas shopping when they were tragically involved in a fatal road accident.

“Both families and their friends are truly devastated by this tragic event and will be sorely missed. For their short life they are close friends, they will stay in our hearts forever.”