An inquest into the tragic death of 25-year-old nurse Dominyka Jonikaite, who was killed after being struck by a car while walking with her family, has been adjourned for further investigation. The nurse, who was hit by a grey BMW 3 Series on London Road outside Crawley Leisure Park on 12 April 2024, died from severe head and spine injuries, an inquest revealed.
Ms Jonikaite, who had been walking with her 12-year-old sister and their 19-year-old cousin, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, despite the valiant efforts of emergency services. Both her sister and cousin were seriously injured in the collision and were rushed to the hospital. The horrific incident occurred shortly after 8:30 pm, leaving the family devastated by the loss and the injuries sustained.
A 33-year-old man from Crawley was arrested at the scene of the crash on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, as well as two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was also arrested for driving while unfit through drugs. However, the man was later released on bail as the investigation continues.
During the opening of the inquest at the West Sussex Coroner’s Court on Thursday, Area Coroner Joseph Turner confirmed that Ms Jonikaite’s death was “plainly violent,” which required the inquest to be opened. The inquest was subsequently adjourned to allow for the ongoing police investigation.
Dr. Ashley Fegan-Earl, who conducted the post-mortem examination, determined that the provisional cause of death was craniocervical trauma, a condition caused by severe injuries to the head and neck. The coroner then adjourned the inquest for further examination, with a new hearing scheduled for January 26 next year.
Ms Jonikaite, originally from Lithuania, had been living in the UK after completing her degree in Biomedical Science at Bangor University. She was working as a blood and transplant nurse at the time of her death, a profession that saw her dedicated to saving lives and providing crucial medical care to patients.
A GoFundMe campaign set up by a family friend to help with funeral costs and other financial burdens has raised over £16,000. The page described the impact of the tragedy on the family, stating that they were struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of their loved one and the severe injuries sustained by the two young women. “This has left a devastating impact on the family, who are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss and injuries of their baby girls,” the family friend wrote on the fundraising page.
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The community has rallied around Ms Jonikaite’s family, with many expressing their condolences and support during this incredibly difficult time. A spokesperson for the family expressed their appreciation for the kindness and generosity shown by those who have donated to the GoFundMe page.
As police investigations into the incident continue, the family is hoping for justice and answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash. The driver of the BMW is still under investigation, and authorities are carefully examining all the evidence to determine the exact cause of the collision.
The tragic death of Dominyka Jonikaite has brought to light the importance of road safety and the need for thorough investigations into incidents involving dangerous driving. As the inquest is adjourned for the time being, the family and the community await further developments in the case.
The adjourned inquest is expected to resume in January 2025, at which point more details about the investigation and the circumstances of the crash may be revealed.
