Tribute to toddler killed by driver watching TikTok before A17 crash
Finley Baker’s parents say his “beautiful little soul” brought laughter and joy to their lives
The parents of a 20-month-old boy killed in a crash near Sleaford have paid tribute to their “kind, loving and curious” son.
Finley Thomas Baker died two days after the crash on the A17 near Holdingham Roundabout in March 2025.
The driver responsible, 32-year-old Hristo Iliev from Boston, was watching TikTok videos on his phone in the moments before he crashed into the back of the car carrying Finley, his mum and his brother.
Iliev was jailed for 11 years and three months after admitting causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Following the conclusion of the court case, Finley’s parents Chloe and Daniel have released a tribute.
"He filled our house with laughter, fun and perfect chaos.”
Chloe and Daniel said:
“On Sunday 9th July 2023, Finley Thomas Baker entered the world like a little ray of sunshine. He was the missing piece of our family puzzle, so so loved and so wanted.”
“He brought our family so much happiness and we miss him more than words can say. He slotted perfectly into our family and we felt completely fulfilled.”
They described Finley as “kind, loving, curious” and said his smile and bright blue eyes “would light up the room”.
They said he loved spending time with his older brother, and the pair would dance together around the house.
They said: “Finley was only 20 months old but he already had such a big personality. He filled our house with laughter, fun and perfect chaos.”
The family said Finley loved being outdoors, meeting dogs on walks, looking through books and riding his indoor balance bike.
They added: “He was just starting to talk more and loved pointing at all of the pictures and telling us what they were.”
They added that they would never forget the “beautiful little soul” their son was and thanked members of the public and emergency services who helped after the crash.