Carly Hicks, 37, leaves behind two daughters
Carly Hicks, 37, has been named as the fatal crash victim(Image: Essex Police)
Tributes have been made to a ‘much-loved’ mum with an ‘infectious smile’ after she died following a car crash last year. Passenger, Carly Hicks, 37, died from injuries caused when the driver of a car hit a tree at speed.
The driver, drug dealer, Lee Rance, 44, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after speeding and being high on heroin and crack cocaine. Moments before the crash, on May 20, 2025, Rance had sped away from police.
Shortly after 11.30pm, the wreckage of the Mini Cooper was found off the A1159 after it had collided with a tree. Rance remained in the driver’s seat, but Carly suffered catastrophic injuries and was taken to hospital, where she later died.
Rance was already disqualified from driving and had taken a combination of drugs before getting behind the wheel. Toxicology tests later revealed substances in his system, including cocaine, morphine, diazepam and methadone, alongside prescription medication.
Officers also recovered a number of items from the vehicle, including Class A drugs, a prohibited firearm bearing Rance’s fingerprint, and a mobile phone containing messages consistent with drug supply. He was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, possession of a prohibited firearm, and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
On Thursday (April 30) he was sentenced to 20 years and three months’ imprisonment. On his release, he will be disqualified from driving for a further 10 years.
Sentencing Rance, Judge Samantha Cohen said he had been driving far too fast for the road in the moments leading up to the collision.
She told him: “You are responsible for Carly’s death and nothing I say or do to you can heal the wounds caused by her death. It is my judgement that your conduct throughout these proceedings has been cynical, cowardly and selfish.”
The court heard that, at the time of the incident, Rance was on licence following a previous release from prison for drug dealing. He has never held a full driving licence.
In a statement, Carly’s family said: “The loss of our beautiful Carly will leave a hole in our hearts that cannot be healed, and life will never be the same.
“Some of Carly’s best qualities were her ability to see the good in others and her kindness, even if others did not deserve it. She had an infectious smile and a distinctive laugh you could recognise anywhere.
“Carly was taken from us prematurely after giving her trust and kindness to the wrong person, which ultimately led to the end of her life. Despite facing so much loss herself, Carly was an incredible mother to her two beautiful daughters, who now have to navigate the world without her.
“She was a beautiful soul who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her, and she will be missed beyond words.”
Detective Sergeant Sam Nason, senior investigating officer from Essex Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Carly was a much‑loved daughter, mother and family member whose life was cruelly cut short by Rance’s selfish and reckless actions.
“The pain her family continues to live with cannot be undone by any sentence, but I hope today’s outcome provides some recognition of the seriousness of what happened to Carly.
“This case is also a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drink or drugs. We will continue working to put irresponsible and dangerous drivers before the courts.”
