THE mother of 17-year-old Tamzin Hall, who was killed after fleeing a police vehicle on the M5 near Taunton, has said she hopes to get answers surrounding the circumstances of her daughter's death.
A pre-inquest hearing was held at Wells Town Hall today (Friday, September 4), heard before Samantha Marsh, senior coroner in Somerset.
Tamzin Ellen Hall, from Henlade, Somerset, sustained fatal injuries when she was struck by a car on the M5 between junction 25 at Taunton and 24 at Bridgwater shortly after 11pm on November 11, 2024.
Paramedics attended the motorway within minutes, pronouncing Tamzin dead at the scene.
The student, who had autism spectrum disorder, had been under arrest and was travelling in an Avon and Somerset Police car, which had stopped on the motorway.
An inquest opening at Wells Town Hall and a pre-inquest hearing at Taunton Coroner’s Court, on Corporation Street, previously heard that Tamzin exited the car and crossed the road before climbing the crash barrier.
She was hit by a vehicle driven by a member of the public travelling on the southbound carriageway and sustained fatal head, neck and chest injuries.
In attendance at the pre-inquest hearing held on September 4 of this year were Tamzin’s mother Amy Hall, and another family member, along with their representation, a solicitor for Somerset Foundation Trust, a representative for Fivehead House, a representative from the Somerset Council, a representative of the Avon and Somerset Police Constabulary, and a representative from the IOPC (Independent Office of Police Conduct).
Following Tamzin Hall’s death, her mum, Amy, instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help establish answers and support her through the inquest process.
After the pre-inquest review hearing was held, Amy and her legal team have issued the following statements.
Fiona McGhie, the expert public law and human rights lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Amy, said: “Amy and the rest of her family remain devastated by Tamzin’s tragic death.
“While it’s more than a year since Tamzin died, understandably, her loved ones continue to have a number of questions and concerns about the events surrounding it.
“This latest hearing is an important milestone in being able to provide Amy and the rest of Tamzin’s family with the answers they deserve.
“The issue of young people dying after leaving the care system is a real concern, as highlighted by the recent government-commissioned review, which described the situation as a ‘national tragedy’.
“Tamzin was due to transfer into adult care after turning 18; therefore, we’re pleased that the coroner will investigate the care arrangements that were in place for Tamzin, as well as whether there were any police failings on the day she died.
“If during the course of the full inquest hearing any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned.”
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Amy said: “Not only was Tamzin my eldest daughter, she was my best friend.
“She was kind, loving and loyal with a brilliant sense of humour.
“While Tamzin struggled with her mental health, we all hoped she would receive the help and support she needed to come back to her family.
"That she never came home is something that will stay with me forever.
“The night Tamzin died, part of me also died. Our family just isn’t the same without Tamzin.
"She had her entire life ahead of her, and we’re all devastated that she’ll never get to fulfil her potential.
“I still struggle to understand how Tamzin died while under the responsibility of those whose duty it was to protect her.
"The last few months have been the most difficult of my life, and while time has moved on, our family have been unable to start the process of trying to grieve for Tamzin because of the unanswered questions we have.
“Tamzin was beautiful inside and out.
"She was thoughtful and went out of her way to help others.
"I’d do anything to have Tamzin back in my life, and so would her siblings, but I know that’s not possible.
"The least I owe Tamzin is to honour her memory by establishing the answers as to why she died.”
The next inquest, provisionally scheduled for January 2027 and expected to be heard before a jury, will examine Tamzin’s living arrangements, why she was there, her mental health diagnosis, planned care, placement at a children’s home, and the risk assessments concerning her safety.
It will also consider the events of 11 November 2024, including police involvement, her arrest, how she was restrained and transported, how she came to be on the M5 after leaving the vehicle, and the circumstances of the subsequent road traffic collision.
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