Police officer charged over death of 16-year-old 10 months after e-bike crash

Off-duty police officer Daniel Cartwright, 31, has been charged with causing the death of 16-year-old Ryley Hutson in a crash involving two cars and an electric bike. The incident occurred on Chilwell Lane in Bramcote, Nottinghamshire, on Sunday, 28 September 2025, at approximately 10:10 am. Emergency services were called to the scene, where Ryley was pronounced dead at the location. The road was temporarily closed during the response, and witnesses reported an air ambulance landing nearby. Cartwright, who is employed by Bedfordshire Police, was off duty at the time of the collision. He is set to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 6 August 2026. According to Nottinghamshire Police, he faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving. This follows an initial arrest of a 30-year-old man on suspicion of similar charges, though he was later released on police bail as investigations continued. The tragedy has deeply affected Ryley’s family, who have received updates on the progress of the case. Detective Inspector Jamie Moore of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit expressed condolences, stating that the incident has had a devastating impact on Ryley’s loved ones. The family has remained informed throughout the process, and the police continue to offer their support. An inquest was held at Nottingham Coroner’s Court on 2 December 2025, presided over by Coroner Amanda Bewley. During the brief hearing, it was stated that a post-mortem examination identified chest injuries as the provisional cause of Ryley’s death. The inquest focused on examining the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the actions of all parties involved. Ryley’s aunt launched an online fundraiser through GoFundMe shortly after the incident, describing her nephew as “full of life, laughter, and love.” She shared how his passing has left a profound emotional impact on their community. “Our world has been shattered by the heart-breaking loss of 16-year-old Ryley,” she wrote. “He was a cheeky soul who left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.” Eyewitness accounts suggest that the crash unfolded quickly, with the e-bike rider caught in the path of the vehicles. The exact sequence of events remains under investigation, as authorities work to determine whether any contributing factors, such as speed or vehicle malfunction, played a role in the collision. The presence of an air ambulance indicates the severity of the situation, underscoring the urgency of the medical response. The case highlights the complexities of road safety, particularly concerning the increasing prevalence of electric bikes and the potential risks they pose in high-speed collisions. While the legal proceedings against Cartwright proceed, further inquiries will likely focus on the broader implications of the incident, including public awareness campaigns and policy considerations aimed at preventing future tragedies. As the trial approaches, the community continues to mourn Ryley’s untimely death and reflects on the need for greater vigilance on the roads.