Cressing fatal crash sees man summonsed to court

Jake Blease, 25, died after the blue Ford Fiesta he was in left Witham Road and hit a tree in the early hours of September 25, 2021.

Kane Gornall, 27, of Flemming Way, Witham, was arrested following the collision.

He has now been summonsed to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on March 7 to face a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The car involved in the fatal collision struck the tree at about 12.20am.

Court - Colchester Magistrates' Court (Image: Archant)

Jake’s family led tributes to their loved one following the tragic incident.

In a statement, his family said: “Jake loved life and lived it to the fullest, he had a cheeky smile and a laugh no-one could ever forget.

“He was adored by his two little sisters and loved by everyone. He was a great son, step-son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.

“He touched so many people’s lives and was blessed to have such a wide range of friends, none of whom will ever forget his kindness or his infectious personality."

Community leaders in Cressing also passed on their "sincere condolences" to Jake’s family after the incident.

Much loved - Jake Blease, 25 (Image: Family handout)

Cressing Parish Council said in a statement: "Cressing Parish Council was distressed to hear of the fatal accident on the B1018 last weekend that took the life of Jake Blease.

"The loss of anyone under these circumstances is tragic, but the loss of a young man with his future still ahead of him is difficult to comprehend.

"The parish council sends its sincere condolences to Jake’s family and friends at such a difficult time."

Essex Police appealed for anyone who may have seen how the vehicle was being driven or witnessed or or has footage of the moments leading up to the collision to come forward and contact them on 101.

If you have any information about the collision you should call 101 and cite incident 17 of September 25.