Welsh Biomedical Graduate, 25, Tragically Killed in Horror Crash Outside Leisure Park

A tragic collision outside Crawley Leisure Park has left a community in mourning after the loss of Dominyka Jonikaite, a 25-year-old biomedical science graduate from Bangor University, who was struck and killed by a grey BMW Series on London Road, Crawley, shortly after 8: PM on Saturday. Her 12-year-old sister and 19-year-old cousin, who were with her at the time, sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized in critical condition. Sussex Police responded swiftly to the scene, arresting a 33-year-old man from Crawley on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, and driving while unfit through drugs. The suspect has since been released on conditional bail until July as investigations continue, with authorities urging witnesses or anyone with relevant mobile, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.
Chief Inspector James Davidson of Sussex Police stated, “Our thoughts are with the victims’ family at this difficult time and we ask that the public respect their right to privacy. I’d like to reassure the community that we swiftly arrested a suspect in connection with this tragic incident, and our enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances. The collision occurred in London Road, Crawley, immediately outside the leisure park. This is a well populated area and we’re urging anyone who saw what happened or captured any relevant mobile, dash cam or CCTV footage to please come forward.” The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief, with floral tributes and heartfelt messages left at the scene. Duncan Crow, Crawley Borough Councillor for Furnace, described the event as “deeply upsetting and shocking,” expressing gratitude to emergency services and extending his thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
The family’s heartbreak has resonated widely, prompting a GoFundMe campaign organized by Lakiem Khan, which has raised over £, to support funeral expenses and other financial burdens. Khan wrote, “As you may know a tragic car accident occurred last Saturday which sadly took the life of a young girl and left two teenagers fighting for their lives. 25-year-old Biomedical science graduate Dominyka Jonikaite sadly lost her life whilst her 12-year-old sister and 19-year-old cousin are fighting for their lives in critical condition. 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. We are raising money on behalf of the family to help ease their pressure. All proceeds will be given directly to the family to help with costs such as funeral costs and other financial burdens they are currently facing. Please donate, even if it’s as little as £ and if you cannot donate please help by simply sharing the post #RIP Dominyka.”
The incident has reignited concerns about pedestrian safety in busy urban areas. According to the UK Department for Transport, pedestrian fatalities accounted for 22% of all road deaths in , highlighting the persistent risks faced by those on foot in high-traffic zones. Drug-impaired driving remains a significant issue nationwide, with government data indicating a steady rise in related arrests and accidents over the past five years. Sussex Police continue to appeal to the public for information as the investigation progresses, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in preventing such tragedies.