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Boy Died in Terror, Family Demands Justice
3 Jan
Summary
- Teenager died just before his 15th birthday in a motorway crash.
- Driver ignored medical warnings and was high on cocaine.
- Family campaigns for tougher sentences and a new law.
The family of Ryan Morgan, who tragically died two weeks before his 15th birthday, are campaigning for stricter sentencing for drivers who cause death. Ryan lost his life on the M6 near Lancaster when Daniel Burba, the van's driver, suffered an epileptic fit. Burba had been warned by doctors not to drive due to his seizures and was also under the influence of cocaine at the time of the crash. Witnesses reported Ryan desperately tried to steer the van moments before it hit a tree, with a court hearing he "died in terror."
Burba received a 10-year prison sentence and a 14-year driving ban. Ryan's mother, Kim Walker, and grandmother, Ann Bell, have publicly stated their belief that this punishment is inadequate, arguing that Burba could be released and legally drive again soon. They are advocating for new legislation, proposed as 'Ryan's Law', to mandate minimum sentences for offenders convicted of causing death while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Ms. Walker also seeks to prevent such offenders from ever reapplying for a driving license.
Ms. Walker has initiated an online petition calling for harsher minimum sentences, which requires 10,000 signatures for government acknowledgement and 100,000 for parliamentary debate. The campaign has revealed the significant positive impact Ryan had on many lives. Ryan, an avid fan of Blackpool FC, will be honored by the club during an upcoming home fixture. His family remembers him as a kind and amazing boy who loved football since childhood.




