Southampton: Update on crash that killed Brandon Cousens

Two people were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after the accident occurred in Middle Road, Southampton, in the early hours of March 5 2023.

The man who died was Brandon Tyrone Cousens, a passenger in a black Vauxhall Corsa that hit several parked cars.

Mr Cousens, of Defender Road in Southampton, was described by his auntie Shana Green as a "gorgeous boy, full of life, with many family and friends who loved him so very much".

Brandon Cousens was killed in a Vauxhall Corsa collided with several parked cars in Middle Road, Southampton, in March 2023 (Image: Newsquest.)

An inquest into his death was due to take place at Winchester Coroner's Court this week but has been adjourned until a date to be fixed.

Police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

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Asked for an update, a police spokesperson said one of the two men arrested and later released remained under investigation. The other had been told that no further action would be taken against him.

It means nothing has changed since police issued a previous update in June last year.

Brandon Cousens was killed when a Vauxhall Corsa collided with several parked cars in Middle Road, Southampton, in March 2023 (Image: Newsquest.)

Householders raised the alarm after hearing a series of loud bangs and going outside to discover what one person described as "chaos".

The emergency services arrived soon afterwards, with police remaining at the scene for the rest of the night.

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Speaking at the time, Carol Flecknor and her husband said they feared that both their vehicles were write-offs.

Mrs Flecknor, 72, said: "We didn't see what happened but the car appears to have hit one vehicle, which hit a skip, which hit the front wall of the owner's house.

"After that, it hit my husband's car, then my car, before ending up in the middle of the road."

Brandon Cousens was killed when a Vauxhall Corsa collided with several parked cars in Middle Road, Southampton, in March 2023 (Image: Newsquest.)

"Two lads living over the road did what they could for the people in the Corsa.

"I just feel so sad. All the people involved were young lads and it must be absolutely devastating for their families."

People paid their respects to the "kind, caring, and much-loved teen" by placing cards and flowers and cards at the scene of the crash.

A police spokesperson said: "An 18-year-old male from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released with no further action to be taken.

"A 20-year-old male from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out."