Cyclist recalls the harrowing events of fatal car crash (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Cyclist recalls the harrowing events of fatal car crash

3:30pm Thursday 19th January 2012 in Malmesbury

Cyclist Simon Barton is still coming to terms with the harrowing moments he spent trying to save the life of his near neighbour, 28-year-old Rebecca Northcott, who was killed in a car crash.

Miss Northcott died after her silver Peugeot 206 collided with a blue BMW Mini Cooper, driven by a 20-year-old from Swindon, on the A429 near Corston, at 12.30am on December 15.

Mr Barton, 25, who lives in Barley Close, Malmes-bury, just 23 houses down from ‘Becca’, as she was known, was cycling along the same road, having finished work at Morrison’s petrol station, off West Cepen Way, Chippenham.

The father-of-one said: “I had finished work at about 11.45pm and I was cycling back.

“I saw the oncoming car and heard another car coming from behind me “I heard a little screech, then a longer screech and then the crunch of metal.”

Miss Northcott died at the scene from her injuries.

Mr Barton said: “When I heard the crunch of metal I chucked my bike across to the side and I ran over to the Mini.

“They were moving and talking. They had tight chests, but I’m a first aider and know to go to the quiet ones first.

“I went to the second car and she wasn’t moving.

“I tried to get in to her passenger door, but it had caved in.

“I went round and tried to feel if she was breathing, but I couldn’t.

“I just wanted to try to help her.

“I didn’t sleep at all when I got home.

“Everything was on my mind, with flashbacks and everything.

“I can still remember it clearly, as if it was yesterday.”

Mr Barton called the emergency services as soon as he reached Miss Northcott’s car that night, and he stayed with her until the police and ambulance arrived several minutes later.

“I would like to meet her (Becca’s) family just to let them know that we were there trying to help her daughter and for them to know that she wasn’t alone,” said Mr Barton, who used to attend Hardenhuish School.

“I have managed to cope with everything all right; I carried on working which helped a lot.

“Now and again when I pass the scene I stop and say a few words.”

Miss Northcott’s funeral was on December 30, with many family members and friends turning out to pay their respects to the care assistant, who worked at Athelstan House care home.