Hornchurch Gran Run Over Twice by Drunk Driver 2026 

Key Points

• Lisa Di Palma, a 61-year-old British grandmother of four from Hornchurch, east London, was fatally run over twice by the same alleged drunk driver on a dual carriageway in Fethiye, south-western Turkey, on August 6, 2025.
• Her husband, Keith Di Palma, 57, witnessed the incident and described how a speeding driver “came from nowhere,” hitting Lisa “full on” while he narrowly escaped.
• Keith tried “with all my strength” to stop the driver from running her over a second time but was unsuccessful.
• Lisa was rushed to hospital but died a week later on August 13, 2025, from her injuries.
• The driver was reportedly four times over Turkey’s legal drink-drive limit and is facing a criminal trial in Turkey later in 2026.
• The inquest into Lisa’s death was held at Walthamstow Coroner’s Court, presided over by coroner Nadia Persaud.
• Keith provided an emotional statement read out at the inquest, detailing the horrific sequence of events for the first time publicly.
• The couple was crossing the road on their way to dinner when the tragedy occurred.
• Lisa was pushed approximately five to six metres by the initial impact.

East London (East London Times) April 6, 2026 – The husband of a British grandmother tragically killed after being run over twice by an alleged drunk driver in Turkey has recounted his desperate attempts to save her during an inquest at Walthamstow Coroner’s Court.

Keith Di Palma, 57, described the heart-wrenching moment when his wife, Lisa Di Palma, 61, from Hornchurch in east London, was struck by a speeding vehicle on a dual carriageway in Fethiye, south-western Turkey, on August 6, 2025. In an emotional statement read out by coroner Nadia Persaud, Mr Di Palma explained how he jumped out of the way as the car brushed his back, but Lisa, slightly behind him, was hit “full on” and propelled five to six metres ahead.

The incident, which has left the family devastated, unfolded as the couple made their way to dinner. Mr Di Palma’s account highlights the sheer horror of witnessing his wife’s fatal injuries.

What Happened During the Initial Collision in Fethiye?

As reported by Paul Morgan of the Daily Mail, Keith Di Palma stated:

“I jumped out of the way, with the car brushing my back. But Lisa, who was slightly behind me, had no chance to get out of the way. The driver hit her full on and pushed her approximately five to six metres in front of the vehicle.”

Mr Di Palma, speaking through his statement at the inquest, emphasised the suddenness of the tragedy. A speeding driver “came from nowhere,” narrowly missing him before striking Lisa with devastating force. The Daily Mail coverage notes that the grandmother of four was rushed to a local hospital in Fethiye but succumbed to her injuries a week later on August 13, 2025.

Coroner Nadia Persaud read out the full statement, allowing Mr Di Palma to share his version of events publicly for the first time. This testimony forms a crucial part of the inquest into Mrs Di Palma’s death, held at Walthamstow Coroner’s Court in east London.

Why Did the Driver Hit Lisa Di Palma Twice?

The most harrowing detail emerged when Mr Di Palma described his futile efforts to prevent a second collision. According to the Daily Mail article by Paul Morgan, Keith Di Palma told the inquest:

“I tried with all my strength to stop her being run over a second time.”

After the initial impact, the driver allegedly reversed and then drove forward again, striking Lisa once more. Mr Di Palma’s desperate intervention failed to halt the vehicle, compounding the tragedy. The inquest heard that this second impact sealed her fate, leading to her hospitalisation and eventual death.

As detailed in the Daily Mail reporting, the driver’s actions were described as reckless, with the vehicle returning to the scene of the first collision in a manner that eyewitness accounts, including Mr Di Palma’s, deemed preventable.

Was the Driver Under the Influence of Alcohol?

The inquest was told that the driver was four times over Turkey’s legal drink-drive limit at the time of the incident. Paul Morgan’s Daily Mail piece confirms:

“The driver was said to be four times over the legal drink drive limit in Turkey and is facing a criminal trial in the country later this year.”

This revelation underscores the alleged intoxication factor, which Turkish authorities are investigating. The driver faces a criminal trial in Fethiye later in 2026, separate from the UK inquest, which focuses on establishing the medical cause of death and surrounding circumstances.

Coroner Persaud noted the ongoing Turkish proceedings during the hearing, ensuring the inquest remained focused on factual evidence rather than prejudging the criminal case.

How Did Keith Di Palma Try to Save His Wife?

Keith Di Palma’s heroism shone through in his account of physically attempting to intervene. As per the Daily Mail by Paul Morgan, he said he used “all my strength” to prevent the second strike, positioning himself to block the vehicle.

Despite his efforts, the car struck Lisa again, leaving Mr Di Palma powerless in the face of the unfolding horror. The statement, read aloud at Walthamstow Coroner’s Court, captured the raw emotion of a husband watching his wife suffer irreversible harm.

Family members, including Lisa’s four grandchildren, have been left grappling with the loss. Mr Di Palma’s testimony provides closure on the sequence of events, painting a picture of bravery amid chaos.

What Is Known About Lisa Di Palma’s Background?

Lisa Di Palma, a beloved grandmother from Hornchurch, east London, was enjoying a holiday in Fethiye when disaster struck. The Daily Mail describes her as a 61-year-old grandmother of four, known to her community in east London.

Originally from the area, Mrs Di Palma was crossing the busy dual carriageway with her husband en route to dinner, a routine outing turned fatal. Her death has prompted tributes from locals, highlighting her role as a family pillar.

The inquest confirmed her residency in Hornchurch, linking the story directly to east London communities.

Where and When Did the Inquest Take Place?

The inquest convened at Walthamstow Coroner’s Court, presided over by coroner Nadia Persaud. As covered by Paul Morgan in the Daily Mail, the hearing featured Mr Di Palma’s statement as a centrepiece, with no live testimony required from him.

Held in April 2026, the proceedings aimed to determine the cause of death, recorded preliminarily as injuries from multiple vehicle impacts. Full findings are expected following further evidence.

Walthamstow Coroner’s Court, serving east London, handled the case due to the family’s ties to the region.

What Is the Driver’s Current Legal Status?

The alleged drunk driver faces trial in Turkey later this year. The Daily Mail reports that tests showed alcohol levels four times the legal limit, prompting criminal charges under Turkish law.

UK authorities are liaising with Turkish officials, but the inquest made clear it would not interfere with foreign proceedings. Coroner Persaud stressed the independence of the two processes.

No further details on the driver’s identity were released at the inquest to respect Turkish judicial protocols.

Who Is Covering the Turkish Trial?

While the UK inquest concludes locally, the criminal trial in Fethiye will examine the driver’s impairment and actions. As noted by Paul Morgan of the Daily Mail, it is scheduled for later in 2026, with potential for severe penalties given the fatality.

British media, including the East London Times, will monitor developments, given the victim’s east London roots. Families of road traffic victims often seek justice through such international cases.

How Has the Family Responded to the Tragedy?

Keith Di Palma’s public statement marks the family’s first detailed account. Tributes poured in following initial reports, with Hornchurch residents expressing shock.

The Daily Mail highlights the emotional weight of Mr Di Palma’s words, read by the coroner to spare him reliving the trauma in person. Support from local east London groups has been pledged.

What Lessons Emerge from This Road Tragedy?

This case spotlights dangers for tourists on Turkish roads, particularly dual carriageways in resort areas like Fethiye. Holidaymakers are urged to exercise caution when crossing.

As a grandmother from Hornchurch, Lisa Di Palma’s story resonates in east London, prompting calls for better awareness of drink-driving abroad. The inquest reinforces the irreversible consequences of impaired driving.

Coroner Persaud’s handling ensures a thorough, neutral examination, aiding the family’s healing.

Broader Context: Road Safety in Turkey for Britons

Fethiye, a popular spot for British holidaymakers, sees heavy traffic on its carriageways. The Daily Mail context notes rising concerns over local driving standards and alcohol enforcement.