Inquest into death of nurse killed when hit by a car adjourned for investigation
Despite efforts from emergency services, Ms Jonikaite died at the scene.
A 33-year-old man from Crawley who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and driving while unfit through drugs has been released on bail.
On Thursday, an inquest into Ms Jonikaite's death was opened and then suspended as police investigations continue.
Area Coroner for West Sussex, Joseph Turner said her death was 'plainly violent', meaning he was required to open the inquest.
A post-mortem investigation, conducted by Dr Ashley Fegan-Earl, found the provisional cause of death was craniocervical trauma, the inquest heard.
The coroner then adjourned the inquest due to the ongoing police investigation.
Dominyka Jonikaite had started working as a blood and transplant nurse (GoFundMe/PA)
Born in Lithuania, Ms Jonikaite had graduated from a degree in Biomedical Science from Bangor University and was working as a blood and transplant nurse.
A GoFundMe page which has raised over £16,000 was set up to help her family pay for the funeral and other financial burdens resulting from the crash.
'This has left a devastating impact on the family who are struggling to come to terms with sudden loss and injuries of their baby girls,' a family friend wrote on the appeal page.
The inquest is due to resume on January 26 next year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Teenage footballer who died in M60 tragedy pictured as sister pays tribute
Israel Iyabor, aged 15, died on the M60 in Manchester and now his sister has told how he was a "very protective person" who was a very talented footballer but "never took himself too seriously" A sister has told of her "jokey and protective" 15-year-old brother in a tribute after he tragically died on a motorway. Emergency services were called to a stretch of the M60 ring road around Manchester near junction 20 for Blackley last Sunday (July 20) but they could not save Israel Iyabor. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were called to reports of a "concern for welfare" and that a teenager, later confirmed to be Israel, died at the scene. His 17 year-old sister has now opened up on her family's grief after they launched an appeal to raise funds for his funeral. She described Israel as a "class clown" but a "very protective person." "He was protective of those close to him and those he loved" she said. "He would do anything for them and to protect them. "He was also very light-hearted and jokey. He never took himself too seriously. At school he was known as the class clown." Israel, from Middleton and who also has a 19-year-old brother, was a pupil at Co-op Academy North Manchester and was part of the youth setup at Hyde United FC. He also played for Manchester Panthers JFC. "He was very talented at football, he also liked to box and liked to go to the gym and do taekwando" his sister said. "He was very athletic, very sporty." His sister said that the family were 'hysterical' when they informed of the tragedy. "When police broke the news we were very emotional. It was such a shock." She said Israel was very close to his mother who had been left bereft. "She couldn't believe it" she said, reported the Manchester Evening News. "She was so shocked. We all are. Even now I am still shocked and trying to wrap my head around the whole thing. I sometimes catch myself thinking about him, or something reminds me of him, and I get emotional." "I feel people should check in on there loved ones" she added. "Mental thing is a real thing. A lot of people do struggle. And you never know what someone is going through." The family have now started a GoFundMe page as they seek to raise funds for the 'dignified burial that he deserves.' The page says: "With heavy hearts, we share the devastating loss of Israel, who was a very integral part of the lives he touched. Israel was a son, brother and most importantly a friend. Israel would often be described as a very light hearted, jokey and full of ambition. He was a comedic and care free person. "He relentlessly wore his heart on his sleeve. He was a shoulder to cry for those around him. It's heartbreaking that he only had such a short but impactful and unforgettable time on earth with us. He had a deep love for sports, specifically martial arts and football, which he excelled at. "He also had a deep devotion for his faith, actively participating in church and being involved within the youth sector at church. Although, his life came to an abrupt end, he touched many hearts whilst on earth. His death was shocking and unimaginable as he was such a big part of the community around him including his school, football team and friends and family. "Many teachers, friends, family have been left distraught by his abrupt death. He was truly a shining start and his memory will live on in all the lives he touched. We are now reaching out for support asking to be able to provide him with the dignified farewell that he deserves. "Our goal is to be able to fund the costs for his funeral, burial and memorial and support our family during such a devastating and distressing time. Any amount you can give, no matter how small, will make a difference in our life and he deeply appreciated. If you are unable to give please consider sharing this page to bring awareness." Police have passed a file to the coroner with an inquest expected to be opened in due course. An array of flowers and football shirts have been left near the scene of the tragedy. Hyde United held a minute's silence in his honour before their match against Curzon Ashton on Tuesday night. "Israel was more than just a talented young footballer — he was an influential, bubbly character whose energy, smile, and love for the game lit up every training session and matchday" the club said in a statement. "His coaches describe him as an absolute joy to coach and a privilege to watch on the pitch. Hyde United sends its deepest condolences to Israel's family, friends, teammates, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by all at the club. Rest in peace, Israel."
BBC News
32 minutes ago
- BBC News
Kegworth Angling Club 'broken-hearted' after arson attack
Members of an angling club have been left "broken-hearted" after equipment was stolen from a container which was later set on and water pumps were among the thousands of pounds of items stolen and damaged at Kegworth Angling Club in Leicestershire. Club treasurer Pete Baker said "we've lost everything" but added he was "overwhelmed" by the community's generosity after he received offers of equipment and financial Police is investigating the incident on Saturday 19 July and has urged anyone with information to come forward. The club said lawnmowers and generators were also taken during the raid, as well as oximeters, which help with water of the club will also have to replace the large container which was burnt Baker said the club had been saving up to resurface one of the top car parks but that money will now be spent on replacing the stolen said he was notified of the incident by the fire service, which received a call at about 23:30 BST on Saturday from two anglers who were fishing on the other side of the river.A GoFundMe page was set up and has raised more than £3,000 for the Baker said: "We're all broken hearted, it means everything to us."The public have been absolutely fantastic, and I've had no end of offers of equipment."It's local businesses, local people – it's absolutely unbelievable."I've had people knocking on my door at night, pushing donations through the door."
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Everything was normal at a house party - then suddenly I was being set on fire'
WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES: A 36-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after David Owen was left with severe burns and fearing for his life after being set on fire at a house party. A dad has told of the horrific moment he was set on fire at a house party after being doused in lighter fluid and torched. David Owen, 36, was left fighting for his life with severe burns to 16% of his body following the terrifying incident at a flat in Perth, Scotland, on Thursday, July 3. The father-of-one had been enjoying a night out with mates before being invited back to a party, but the night quickly descended into a living nightmare after a brief row turned deadly. David, who admitted he thought he would die, recalled the horror, saying: 'I had a brief argument with someone, but I thought it was resolved. Everything seemed normal. We were chatting, drinking, laughing… then all of a sudden, I was being torched. I must have been doused in something flammable. I went up instantly. It was the most terrifying moment of my life.' In a desperate bid to survive, David hurled himself out of a ground-floor window, landing in agony on the pavement below. He added: "I panicked. I saw the window and just jumped. "I was on fire, running up and down the street, screaming for help, but no one was there. So I threw myself onto the grass and rolled around to try and get the flames out. It was the most agonising thing I've ever gone through.' Locals eventually found David lying badly burned and barely conscious. Paramedics rushed him to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for emergency, life-saving surgery, the Daily Record reports. 'I woke up in hospital and saw the skin melting off my body,' David said. I looked at my reflection on my phone and saw my face — burned and blistered. All I could think about was my wee boy. I didn't want him to see me like that… I didn't want to scare him.' Surgeons had to perform an emergency escharotomy, which requires cutting deep into his throat to open his airways. Graphic photos show the gaping wounds where medics sliced into his neck to save him. David has since been moved to the specialist burns unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he's endured two major skin graft surgeries. His body is now covered in surgical staples holding his skin together. He said: 'At one point, my body was shutting down. I had to be resuscitated. I was in so much pain, I genuinely thought I was going to die.' 'It's a miracle I'm still here. I'll be scarred for life, mentally and physically. I'm having constant nightmares and flashbacks. I'll never understand why this happened to me.' A man, also aged 36, appeared in Perth Sheriff Court on Monday, July 7, in connection with the alleged attack. He was charged with attempted murder, assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, and endangerment of life. He made no plea and was released on bail. His next court appearance is still to be confirmed. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to support David and his devastated family during his long road to recovery. A statement on the website said: "David has suffered life-threatening burns to his chest, back, neck and face,' the fundraising page reads. His skin peeled away. He was placed on a ventilator, fighting for his life. He now faces a slow and painful recovery. 'He has a small child and a partner left traumatised by what happened. A night out turned into a horror story no one could have imagined.'
