Heartbroken Family Speaks Out After Aidan Chapman Dies in Fatal London Crash

Aidan Chapman, 25, tragically passed away from his injuries on New Year’s Eve following a fatal collision in central London. The crash, which involved four pedestrians, occurred at 12:45 am on Shaftesbury Avenue, after reports that a car had been driving on the wrong side of the road.

Anthony Gilheaney, 30, has been charged in connection with the crash, facing four counts of attempted murder, causing serious injury by driving while disqualified, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He appeared in court on December 27 and was remanded in custody until January, with the charges set to be reviewed following Aidan’s death, according to the Daily Mail.

In a heart-wrenching statement, Aidan’s parents paid tribute to their son, describing their immense grief. They said: “The loss of our beautiful son is a parent’s worst nightmare, we are utterly devastated with the loss of Aidan, he enriched everyone’s lives. He was a loving, kind, funny soul and the world is a darker place without him. We, his parents, have lost the best part of ourselves”, reported by the London Evening Standard.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley from the Metropolitan Police expressed his sympathy for Aidan’s family and confirmed that the investigation is continuing. He said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s friends and family at this difficult time. My team are continuing to conduct enquiries to establish all the facts surrounding the circumstances, however it has been confirmed as an isolated incident which is not terror-related.” DCI Jolley also urged anyone with relevant information, such as CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward.

The investigation into Aidan’s death is being treated as a homicide, with the force’s Specialist Crime Command leading the case. Earlier, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy had stated: “The suspect was arrested within minutes of this violent attack in the early hours of Christmas Day in Central London. Since then, investigators have worked tirelessly to build the case and have today charged Anthony Gilheaney with four counts of attempted murder. Our thoughts now are with the victims, one of which remains in critical condition in hospital.”

Following the crash, several cordons were erected around the scene as the investigation continued.