Turning tragic loss of Keira, 9, into a force for good

The family of a nine-year-old Devon girl killed in a car crash said yesterday they were working to make some good out of something awful – with a campaign to boost organ donation.

Keira Ball, pictured , from Barnstaple was killed when the car she was travelling in collided with a pick-up truck on the North Devon link road in July 2017. Her organs saved the lives of four people. At her inquest yesterday a conclusion of road traffic accident was recorded.

Keira’s mother, Loanna and father Joe set up InspiredByKeira, to promote organ donation and raise money for families hit by tragedy.

Keira’s aunt, Sarah Stewart, said after the hearing yesterday that the loss of their “beautiful girl” would never be forgotten. The family want to see people have to “opt out” of having their organs used after their death rather than opt in.

“We are doing what we can to try and make some good out of something so awful,” she added.

A mother may have suffered a period of “micro-sleep” at the wheel of her car – or been distracted by something inside the vehicle – when it crossed the carriageway and collided with a pick-up truck towing a trailer, killing her daughter.

Loanna Ball was driving on the A361 North Devon Link Road on Sunday July 30 last year, with her seven-year-old son Bradley in the front passenger seat and her nine-yearold daughter Keira in the back, when her Vauxhall Vectra collided with a Ford Ranger 4x4 towing a cattle trailer being driven by William Paddon.

The road was closed for hours as emergency services fought to save the family, all of whom sustained injuries in the crash.

Loanna was airlifted to Bristol’s Southmead Hospital while Keira and Bradley were taken to Bristol Children’s Hospital. Keira died from her injuries two days later.

Keira’s family have since revealed her organs have saved the lives of four people – including a ten-year-old boy, who was given her heart.

An inquest at South Molton Town Hall yesterday heard coroner Philip Spinney record a conclusion of road traffic accident. He said: “We have heard two possibilities provided by the forensic collision investigator.”

Addressing Keira’s family and other family members present, he said: “It is a truly tragic event and I am deeply sorry for your loss.”

Witness statements confirmed there was nothing the driver of the 4x4, Mr Paddon could have done because he had little time to react. Police confirmed there were no ongoing investigations and no arrests in connection with the crash.