The driver has been jailed for six years
A grieving family has paid tribute to a seven-year-old girl who was killed by a delivery driver carrying out a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre. Veselin Dudenski was driving a Citroen Relay near Metheringham, Lincolnshire on January 3 this year at about 5.45pm when he crashed head-on into a blue Kia Rio carrying Elsie Gascoigne in the back seat.
Elsie, seven, died the next day in hospital while her father, who was driving the car, was left with permanent injuries.
In a statement released after Dudenski, from Cherry Avenue, Branston, Lincolnshire, was jailed for six years, Elsie’s family said: “Our lives were shattered when our beautiful Elsie was torn away from us by a reckless act from a stranger less than five minutes away from the safety of our home. Elsie was ripped from our lives in a split second with no opportunity for us to ever speak to her again or tell her how much we loved and adored her.
“Elsie was born with a twinkle in her eye, she had such a love for life, she was energetic, playful, inquisitive about life and the world around her. She had a crazy sense of humour, she was cheeky, sassy, smart and funny and was always up to something she shouldn’t be.
“She was like a whirlwind of personality and energy, and her non-stop chatter always meant life was never dull or quiet around her.
“Elsie had a deep love for animals, especially horses, in particular white horses, and loved horse riding. Her caring nature meant she would often rescue ladybirds and build them a habitat.
“Elsie has always been obsessed with unicorns, rainbows and all the magical things in a child’s world. She loved seasonal events such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween, with Christmas being her favourite, she was always sad when Christmas was over.
“Elsie was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and friend to many. She loved her friends and family with all her heart. She adored her siblings, sharing a special bond with both her brother and her sister too.”
Dudenski was travelling from Metheringham towards Boothby Grafoe and failed to notice the sign warning of a hidden dip ahead. He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was sentenced to six years behind bars after previously pleading guilty following a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court.
Elsie’s mother Kerry said: “Elsie was the youngest of my three children, my last chance to be a mother, we shared a very close bond. Elsie was a mummy’s girl who would follow me everywhere, never wanting to be away from me or without me. The loss of a child is the cruellest life punishment you could inflict on a person. I endlessly search for her and will love and yearn for her until the day I die. The happy memories of her life and our lives together have been tainted with the trauma of images no parent should have to see or experience. I miss you.”
Elsie’s father said: “Elsie was my only child, my only chance to be a father. Elsie was fearless and funny, and we shared a unique bond that can never be broken. I miss our daily carry cuddles and silly songs, and most of all I miss you. You are the first thing I think about each morning and the last thing at night.”
The family added: “We would also like to thank Lincolnshire Police for their support and hard work to ensure we got justice for Elsie. Elsie, our broken hearts never rest, an Elsie shaped hole left in our chests, wait for us darling in heaven above, we will be together again and wrap you in love.”
