Tragic Care Home Crash: 2 Charged After Elderly Residents Die

A devastating incident unfolded in Witherwack, Sunderland, on Wednesday evening, resulting in the tragic deaths of two elderly women and the charging of two individuals, following a police pursuit that ended in a dramatic collision with Highcliffe Care Home. The aftermath has left a community reeling, with structural damage to the care facility and residents displaced, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

Northumbria Police confirmed on Friday evening that two men, both aged 21 and from Sunderland, have been formally charged in connection with the harrowing events. Sam Asgari-Tabar, of Stratford Road, faces charges of robbery and kidnap, in addition to causing serious injury by dangerous driving – a charge directly linked to one of the care home residents who remains hospitalised. Reece Parish, of Fordham Road, has also been charged with robbery and kidnap. Both men are scheduled to appear before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today, Saturday, July 12, 2025.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:40 PM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, saw a stolen BMW collide with Highcliffe Care Home. Police had initiated a pursuit of the vehicle, which was reported stolen from Fenham, Newcastle, around 9:20 PM – just 20 minutes prior to the crash. Authorities confirmed that officers were authorised to pursue the vehicle.

The collision caused significant structural damage to the care home, necessitating the immediate evacuation of its residents. Sadly, two women – one in her 90s and another in her 80s – who were residents of Highcliffe Care Home, succumbed to their injuries on Thursday, July 10, 2025. While eight other residents were hospitalised with injuries initially deemed non-life-threatening, one individual remains in hospital as of Friday evening.

Further details emerging from the police investigation reveal a disturbing prelude to the crash. It is alleged that a woman involved in a proposed sale of the BMW was forcibly removed from the vehicle a short time after it was driven away. Although left shaken by the ordeal, she was fortunately uninjured.

Due to the police involvement in the pursuit leading up to the fatal collision, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – a standard procedure ensuring independent scrutiny of such incidents.

In the wake of the disaster, the Highcliffe Care Home stands deserted, its residents having been relocated to alternative accommodation. A metal barrier now surrounds the damaged building, where large cracks are visible in the brickwork and debris litters the garden. The latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) report from 2021 indicated that the home provided care for a maximum of 60 residents, including those living with dementia.

In an unrelated development, Reece Parish has also been charged with violent disorder, in connection with events that transpired in Sunderland city centre on August 2 of last year.

A Northumbria Police spokesman urged the public to refrain from speculation, both online and within communities, emphasising the potential impact on the ongoing court case. The force reaffirmed its commitment to the investigation into the tragic deaths of the two care home residents.

Avery Healthcare, the company operating Highcliffe Care Home, released a statement on Friday expressing their profound sadness over the incident. A spokeswoman conveyed the company's deepest sympathies to all affected and reiterated their commitment to supporting residents, their families, and staff during this incredibly challenging period. They commended their teams for their compassion and professionalism and stated they are unable to comment further due to the active police investigation.

Northumbria Police are appealing to anyone with concerns or information related to the incident to contact them directly via social media, live chat, or report forms on their website. Alternatively, individuals can call 101, quoting reference NP-20250709-1225.