A 17-year-old girl has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash on the A19 late Monday, Nov. 24. Liv Reed, from the City of Sunderland, died at the scene after the car she was traveling in left the northbound carriageway between Seaham and the Herrington Interchange, Northumbria Police said.
Reed is believed to have been a passenger in a Vauxhall Corsa driven by a 19-year-old man, who was critically injured. Emergency services were called shortly after 11 p.m. Police said the car left the roadway for reasons still under investigation before crashing and catching fire, which was extinguished shortly afterward.
Despite efforts from emergency responders, Reed was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he remains in critical condition. Families of both the victim and the driver have been notified.
Sgt. John Sanderson of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit offered condolences to Reed’s loved ones and urged witnesses to come forward.
“Firstly, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the teenager who has tragically passed away,” Sanderson said. “A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is under way… I would ask anyone with information — particularly those with dashcam footage—to contact us so that we can get a complete picture of last night’s incident.”
Police ask anyone with information to contact Northumbria Police via social media, the force’s website, or by calling 101 and quoting reference NP-20251124-1157.
Emergency Response
The North East Ambulance Service reported dispatching two ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer, a HART team and a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance Service. One patient — the driver — was transported to RVI hospital for further treatment.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that two fire appliances from Farringdon Community Fire Station responded. Crews extinguished the vehicle fire and assisted paramedics with emergency care before leaving the scene shortly after 12:10 a.m.
A Family and Community in Mourning
Reed’s mother, in a heartbreaking public tribute, described her daughter as a bright, loving teen whose presence touched everyone around her.
“Early hours this morning I lost my beautiful darling daughter Olivia,” she wrote. “My heart’s shattered into a million pieces… You made one hell of an impact on your 17 years on this earth. Every breath I take is for you. I love you more than you could ever have imagined.”
Reed worked as a waitress at Tarantinos Restaurant in Sunderland, where staff shared an emotional tribute to the teen they described as unforgettable.
“It’s with the heaviest hearts that we share some devastating news,” the restaurant wrote. “Our friend and much-loved little waitress, Liv, sadly passed away last night. Anyone who met her will remember her instantly — funny, cheeky, feisty, and full of the kind of energy that lit up our little restaurant.”
The restaurant said Reed brought joy to customers and colleagues alike and asked patrons to be patient as the team grieves.
“Rest easy, lovely girl,” the tribute ended. “Forever beautiful — forever 17.”
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