North-East News
Soldier named in crash on A1 killed
5:27pm Thursday 2nd September 2010
A YOUNG Army soldier killed in a two vehicle crash which left his wife and baby daughter in need of treatment has been named.
Air trooper James Richard Ashdown, 23, of Heyford Road, Dishforth Airfield, in North Yorkshire, died in a crash on the A1 southbound.
He was driving a red Suzuki Swift car which carried his 21-year-old wife, their six-month-old baby daughter and his 34-year-old brother-in-law.
The car was in a collision with a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van at 3pm on Thursday, August 26, near to Knaresborough between junctions 47-48 in North Yorkshire.
Mr Ashdown was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary but died from his injuries.
His wife and daughter were taken to Harrogate District Hospital and released after they were treated for minor injuries.
His brother-in-law, from Manchester, who was a rear seat passenger in the Suzuki was also taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he was treated before being released.
The 32-year-old Portuguese driver of the Mercedes Benz has been charged with dangerous driving over the crash.
He will appear at Harrogate Magistrates Court on September 3 to answer the charge.
Anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw how the cars were being driven before the crash, should contact Traffic Sergeant Hamish Halloway on 0845-6060-247.