Sunderland is in mourning following the tragic death of 17-year-old Liv Reed, who lost her life in a crash on the A19 late Monday, November 24. According to Northumbria Police, Liv was a passenger in a Vauxhall Corsa that left the northbound carriageway between Seaham and the Herrington Interchange before colliding and catching fire. Despite the swift response of emergency crews, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, a 19-year-old man, sustained critical injuries and was transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he remains in serious condition. Authorities have notified the families of both Liv and the driver. Northumbria Police have launched a full investigation into the crash and are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area to come forward. Sgt. John Sanderson extended condolences to Liv’s family and stressed the importance of public cooperation in understanding the incident.
Emergency responders acted quickly, including North East Ambulance Service crews, a specialist paramedic, and a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue extinguished the car fire and assisted paramedics before leaving the scene shortly after midnight.
Liv’s death has left a profound void in her family and the Sunderland community. Her mother shared a heartbreaking tribute online: “Early hours this morning I lost my beautiful darling daughter Olivia. My heart’s shattered into a million pieces… You made one hell of an impact in your 17 years on this earth. Every breath I take is for you. I love you more than you could ever have imagined.”
Liv also worked as a waitress at Tarantinos Restaurant in Sunderland, where colleagues remembered her as “funny, cheeky, feisty, and full of the kind of energy that lit up our little restaurant.” The restaurant expressed deep sorrow and asked patrons to be patient as they grieve the loss of a much-loved team member.
Northumbria Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via social media, the website, or by calling 101, quoting reference NP-20251124-1157.
Liv Reed will be remembered for her infectious energy, her warmth, and the joy she brought to everyone around her—a life far too short, but one that left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
