THE driver of a lorry which crashed on the Avon Ring Road near Mangotsfield, killing a young passenger, has admitted causing death by careless driving.
Michael Ronner had denied causing the death of Tyler Carley in the collision in 2023 by driving a DAF truck without due care and attention.
He was due to face a trial at Bristol Crown Court at the end of March, but days before the trial was due to start, he changed his plea to guilty.
Ronner, aged 39, from Warmley, is due to return to the court to be sentenced at the end of April.
He has been released on bail.
Tyler, who was 20, was killed when the lorry he was a passenger in collided with the central reservation of the A4174 between the Dramway and Siston Hill roundabouts on the evening of December 5, 2023.
He was working as a scaffolder and living in Thornbury, having spent his early life in Kingswood and Mangotsfield before moving to the town, where he attended the Castle School.
Tyler’s friend and colleague Cameron Williams, who was also a passenger in the lorry, survived the crash without any physical injury but later took his own life after suffering survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder from the incident. Cameron, who was 19 when he died in 2024, was a former pupil of Stanbridge Primary and Downend School.
Police designated investigating officer Noelie Poupard said: “Tyler was a much-loved young man, with his whole life ahead of him.
“His tragic death was a direct result of Michael Ronner’s lack of concentration and not appropriately ensuring the safety of his passengers while driving a lorry.
“It is deeply regrettable that Ronner waited until less than a week before trial to enter a guilty plea.
“Had the plea been entered earlier, it would have spared Tyler’s family a significant amount of distress and heartache since the incident.
“The police investigation was lengthy and complex, including several expert reports in preparation of trial, but it demonstrated Ronner’s actions were the cause for this collision and the death of Tyler.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to Tyler’s family. The strength they have shown in the lead up to the trial is commendable and I am just grateful we were able to provide them with some closure.”
Tyler’s mum Gemma said: “After back and forth court dates, and him changing his plea three days before trial, it is a relief for me as I never wanted the rest of Tyler’s family and friends to have to hear or see the distressing evidence that only I have seen and read.
“No mother should ever have to see the things I have, sadly.”
Since his death Tyler’s parents have set up a charitable foundation in his memory, supporting charities which help bereaved families.
The Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation has organised fundraising events and first aid training sessions.
The latest sponsored event will see Tyler’s cousin Lauren Carley and two of his friends take on the Great Bristol Run 10K on May 10, while another two friends run the Bristol Half-marathon.
Donations can be made at the foundation’s JustGiving site, at tinyurl.com/4rj3752j, or via its Facebook page.