The brother and sister killed in a suspected hit -and-run in Pitsea have been named and pictured – emergency crews rushed to the scene but sadly couldn’t be saved
A tragic brother and sister were killed in a suspected hit-and-run as they crossed a road.
Roman and Darcie Keeling, 16 and nine, were hit by a car near their home in Pistea, Essex, on Saturday evening. Emergency crews raced to the scene but the teenage boy and his younger sister could not be saved. Locals claimed they were on an electric scooter when the tragedy happened.
Roman and Darcie’s mum, Emma Keeling, described the siblings as her “beautiful babies” in a tearful Facebook post in which she also thanked first responders for their help. She said: “My 2 beautiful babies Roman and Darcie sadly lost their lives last night in this awful accident.”
“The driver fled the scene. We are currently grieving at this difficult time. I wish to thank everyone who has offered their support and to the paramedics, air ambulance crew and members of the public who tried in vain to save them.” Emma visited the scene of the tragedy with her partner yesterday, while the siblings’ dad, Alec Casselden, made several grief-stricken posts on Facebook, saying: “I love you so much.”
Sophie Luck, the partner of Roman and Darcie’s uncle Adam Keeling, also confirmed their deaths on Facebook in an emotional post sending the youngsters’ family “so much love”. She wrote: “I feel numb writing this & seeing it all over social media. Unfortunately this was Adam’s nephew Roman and niece Darcie.
“Sending Emma/Al/Mads/Harry & all the family so much love and we are always here for anything you may need. Rest in peace angels.” A relative of the pair described them as “angels” and said the family had been left “numb” by their deaths. The car allegedly failed to stop after the horror crash and was later found abandoned in a nearby street.
Essex Police said a man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. The pair are also being held on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of an accident. One eyewitness to the tragedy on the Chalcedon estate described it as “the worst thing I have ever seen”.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said the family of the siblings are going through a “truly unimaginably difficult time”. Around 20 members of the local community, including children, left floral tributes at the scene yesterday. One card left by a member of staff at a local school read: “I’m so sorry that you have both been taken away, far too young.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that had the joy to know you both, especially your family.” Another read: “You were both taken too soon. You will never be forgotten.” Friends of Roman and Darcie’s parents set up a GoFundMe page yesterday to raise money for their family.
The fundraiser has already put together £2,920 from more than 150 donations since it was launched on Saturday, and “heartbroken” organisers Joshua and Jude Moore plan to put the money into “funeral expenses and other needs”. The two said: “I have been given permission on behalf of my friends, the family of young Roman and Darcie, who tragically lost their lives on Saturday 1st February 2025 in Pitsea.
“Tragedy has struck our community, leaving two young lives lost far too soon. We are heartbroken for the families and loved ones of these precious children. In this devastating time, we want to come together to support the families with funeral expenses and other needs. Any donation, big or small, will help ease their burden.”
