Partner of a woman killed by crane says ‘everyday remains challenging’

Rebecca’s father said her death was the “hardest thing” he had “ever had to accept”

The partner of a woman killed by a crane told a court he is “not the person he once was” since the death of his “blue eyed beauty”. Rebecca Ableman, 30, was struck in the head by a crane, while walking her daughter along a road in Willingham on September 22, 2022.

Kevin Miller, 71, of Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, was sentenced to 13 months in prison today (Tuesday, April 14), after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving. Rebecca’s partner Chris Tuczemskyi, appearing teary during his victim impact statement, told the court that “everyday remains challenging” since Rebecca’s death.

He described Rebecca as a “strong” and “unique” woman, who loved “to travel and explore”. Recounting when he saw Rebecca in hospital after the incident, Mr Tuczemskyi said she was “unrecognisable” and that he will “never be the same” because of her death.

Speaking outside of the court, Mr Tuczemskyi he said the family wanted a prison sentence for Miller as it was “something that should have never happened”. He added: “As I mentioned during my statement, a £10 strap would have prevented this, and that’s heartbreaking and difficult to process.

“We would have liked a longer sentence but we are glad it’s not a suspended sentence.” Mr Tuczemskyi said it “sends a strong message out” that “safety should always be paramount with this kind of thing.” He added: “We are relieved it’s all finally coming to an end.”

Other victim impact statements were read out in court on behalf of Rebecca’s parents Russell and Susan Ableman, sisters Christina and Natalie, and longtime friend Amy. Russell said he feels he had “failed” as a father, as he said a father’s job is to “protect your children”. He said it was the “hardest thing” he had “ever had to accept”.

He added that her “life was cut short” due to “someone else’s carelessness”. Susan said her daughter “excelled” at being a mother to Autumn, and she “grieved for the life she could have had”.

Susan added that she now feels “vulnerable” walking along pavements when lorries are travelling nearby, following the death of her daughter. In a joint statement, sisters Christine and Natalie said there is a “permanent and profound void in our lives”.

They said Rebecca was the “light in our family and she was the friend that brought together everyone”. The sisters said losing Rebecca in “such a sudden and preventable way is a trauma” they couldn’t “fully put into words”. They also said her death was the “loss of a future”.

Longtime friend Amy said Rebecca was “so much more than a friend”, describing her as a “sister”. Amy said Rebecca “protected” her and that her life was now “lost and hollow” since her death. “Every happy moment now casts a dark shadow because she should be here,” Amy added.