Families Frustrated by Delays in Police Disciplinary Process Following 2023 Cardiff Crash
The family of one of three individuals who died in a 2023 car crash in Cardiff have expressed frustration over delays in the police disciplinary process.
Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, lost their lives after their vehicle crashed into woodland in St Mellons. Their bodies remained undiscovered for two days. Two other passengers sustained serious injuries.
The crashed car was located on 6 March 2023, despite missing persons reports having been filed.
In November, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced that four Gwent Police officers would face gross misconduct hearings. However, Eve Smith's family reported being informed that one officer had resigned.
The police watchdog described its investigation as "complex," while Gwent Police stated that disciplinary action could proceed even if an officer had left the force.
The group was last seen around 02:00 GMT on 4 March 2023.
At the time, police believed the group had been involved in a crash but did not locate the white Volkswagen Tiguan, which had crashed deep in undergrowth near a roundabout on the A48 near Cardiff.
The mother of one of the victims previously criticized the police response, stating they "didn't seem to think it was worth investigating."
On the three-year anniversary of the crash, Eve Smith's family said their pain remained "just as raw as it did on the day we lost her."
They expressed feelings of "confusion, frustration, and being let down" due to the delays.
"We cannot understand why it is taking so long for answers that should have been prioritised from the beginning,"
In a statement issued in November, the IOPC said it had reviewed Gwent Police's response to the missing person reports submitted by the victims' families, including whether these were appropriately risk assessed, reviewed, and resourced.
At that time, the IOPC indicated that six police officers would face a misconduct process over their actions, including three police constables and one sergeant facing allegations of gross misconduct.
Misconduct hearings may be held for officers found to have breached expected standards, with sanctions ranging from written warnings to training for less serious allegations.
Gross misconduct refers to actions considered sufficiently serious to potentially warrant dismissal.
In December 2025, two officers were cleared of misconduct. One was alleged to have failed to review all available information during a risk assessment for the missing women, and the other was accused of not conducting adequate house searches.
The decision was made that no further action was necessary. Currently, no dates are listed on the Gwent Police website for the officers facing gross misconduct hearings.
'It Denies Eve Justice'
Eve Smith's family reported that one police officer has resigned, leaving them "devastated."
"It denies us the chance to hear him explain his actions, and it denies Eve the justice she deserves,"
"All we want 6 and all we have ever wanted 6 is the truth about what happened to Eve, and assurance that no other family will ever have to endure what we are going through."
Even if an officer resigns before a police misconduct hearing, proceedings typically continue in their absence, with a decision made on whether misconduct is proven.
Deputy Chief Constable Nicky Brain of Gwent Police stated:
"As soon as the investigation was handed back to us from the IOPC in November of last year, all misconduct proceedings which could be managed within the organisation have taken place."
"Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with the family and friends of Darcy, Eve and Rafel who tragically lost their lives and those who sustained injuries that night."
"In line with the relevant legislation, it is a choice for any individual facing any allegations of misconduct whether they wish to remain employed by the police service."
"If someone chooses to resign while under investigation for misconduct then proceedings can still take place with the sanction of 'dismissal if they had not previously left the police service' as an option for the misconduct panel."
An IOPC spokesperson expressed sympathy for the affected families and acknowledged the lengthy wait for answers.
"This was a complex and resource intensive investigation, but it was important for public confidence in policing that this tragic incident was subject to thorough and independent scrutiny."
"We concluded our investigation in October 2025. It is now for Gwent Police to arrange and hold the outstanding disciplinary proceedings."
"We understand that the families, quite rightly, want answers and accountability and we hope our investigation findings go some way to providing that,"
A separate investigation by South Wales Police into the crash has concluded. The force stated that the case file is now with HM Coroner ahead of future inquests.
What Happened in the St Mellons Crash?
The fatal crash occurred in St Mellons, Cardiff, when a white Volkswagen Tiguan carrying six people crashed into woodland near a roundabout on the A48. The vehicle remained undiscovered for two days despite missing persons reports being filed.
The victims, Eve Smith, Darcy Ross, and Rafel Jeanne, died at the scene, while two others were seriously injured. The delay in locating the vehicle and the subsequent investigation have led to ongoing scrutiny of police procedures and response times.
The families of the victims continue to seek answers and accountability regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash and the police response.
