Pitsea memorial unveiled for siblings killed in crash
A Cherry tree and bench are dedicated to Roman and Darcie Casselden.
A memorial bench and cherry tree have been unveiled in Pitsea as a tribute to siblings Roman and Darcie Casselden, who were killed in a crash last year.
The poignant tribute, located near Little Searles Play Park, was funded by Basildon Borough Council in response to what the council described as a community "rocked by the awful incident".
Roman, 16, and Darcie, nine, were riding an e-scooter when they were hit by a car in Pitsea, near Basildon, Essex, on 1st February 2025. Their deaths led to calls for improved road safety measures in the area, including Ashlyns in Pitsea, with a petition launched for change.
The unveiling of the bench and cherry tree took place on 30th January 2026, with councillors meeting Roman and Darcie's family for the occasion.
Emma Keeling, the siblings' mother, expressed her gratitude for the memorial.
"It was lovely seeing the bench for Roman and Darcie finally in place, and we have chosen a cherry tree and planted that with the council," she said.
"Thank you to councillors Pat Reid, Gavin Callaghan, Emma Callaghan and the committee for making this happen. We have put some lovely flowers down and decorated the sides of the bench. It looks so lovely."
The driver involved in the crash, Deimante Ziobryte, 21, from Benfleet, is charged with failing to stop at the scene of a collision. She is expected to appear in court again in March. It was recently announced she would face no further charges related to causing death by dangerous driving.
Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Borough Council, spoke about the loss while attending the unveiling.
"As a parent myself, I cannot begin to imagine the pain of losing two children in one day," Callaghan said.
"No family should ever have to face that kind of loss. The strength and dignity this family continue to show is extraordinary.
"I told them that this weekend, the whole of our borough will be thinking of them and of all the family and friends who are still grieving for two beautiful children taken far too soon. Roman and Darcie will never be forgotten."