Mum of teen who drowned in car with friends speaks of her ‘absolute fear’ on anniversary

Crystal Owen, the mother of a 17-year-old boy named Harvey Owen, who tragically drowned in a car crash along with three friends, spoke in an emotional interview on the anniversary of his death. The four friends lost their lives when their car veered into a ditch during a camping trip in rural North Wales on November 19 last year. An inquiry revealed that Harvey had unplugged his seat belt and wound down his window before the accident, a detail that continually haunts his mother, Crystal. She expressed her deep sorrow and fear, wondering about Harvey’s final moments and if he thought of her during the ordeal.

Crystal recounted memories of Harvey, who was a kind-hearted teenager known for spending time with his family playing the guitar and listening to music. She described the pain of living without him, stating that her heart feels like it is breaking every moment of the day. Harvey’s last night at home before the tragedy holds a special place in Crystal’s heart, particularly his gesture of gratitude for protein yogurts she bought him to help with his gym routine. The loss of Harvey and his friends was a devastating blow to their families, who went through turmoil during the search for the boys.

The tragedy has led Crystal to advocate for better protection of young drivers, pushing for changes in driving laws such as introducing graduated licences for new drivers. She met with government officials to discuss measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. Additionally, Crystal has launched a charity in memory of Harvey, aiming to provide music and creative lessons to underprivileged children, reflecting her son’s compassionate nature.

As Crystal continues to navigate her grief and honour Harvey’s legacy, she hopes to make a positive impact by raising awareness about road safety and supporting disadvantaged youths through her charity initiative. The anniversary of Harvey’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing loved ones and working towards meaningful change in their honour.