Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old solicitor, saved three lives after her tragic death in a crash
A 30-year-old solicitor who tragically died in a road traffic collision in Carmarthenshire has helped save three lives through organ donation, an inquest has revealed. Emily Thornton-Sandy was seriously injured in a head-on crash on 5 November last year when 90-year-old John Howell Price drove the wrong way down the A48 in South Wales. Thornton-Sandy, who worked as an asbestos specialist at Thompsons Solicitors, succumbed to her injuries six days later.
The inquest into her death concluded that Thornton-Sandy died as a result of a road traffic collision. The reason why Price, who was driving in the wrong direction, did so remains unclear. The inquest heard that concerns about Price’s eyesight had been raised with the DVLA in 2023 following a prior incident, but after medical examinations and an eye test, there was insufficient evidence to declare him unfit to drive.
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Thornton-Sandy, who was known for her dedication to helping asbestos victims, had worked with numerous support groups, including Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru and Mesothelioma UK. Her law firm, Thompsons Solicitors, expressed their deep sorrow following her passing. In a statement, Clare Mellor, chief executive of Thompsons Solicitors, paid tribute to Thornton-Sandy’s remarkable work. “Emily was a brilliant and compassionate asbestos lawyer,” said Mellor. “Her natural empathy and dedication to those affected by asbestos-related illnesses made her an invaluable part of our team.”
In addition to her legal work, Thornton-Sandy’s impact was evident in her clients’ lives. Her colleagues described her as someone who combined technical expertise with immense sensitivity, offering comfort to those facing difficult situations.
Following her death, the senior coroner for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, Paul Bennett, acknowledged the devastating loss to Thornton-Sandy’s family. He also noted that three individuals had benefited from her organ donation, a testament to her selflessness even in death.
Thornton-Sandy’s journey at Thompsons began when she joined the firm as a support assistant while studying for her Legal Practice Course at Swansea University. She later qualified as a solicitor in 2020, joining the Welsh asbestos team where she made a significant impact. Her family and colleagues will remember her not only for her professional excellence but also for the kindness and support she offered to her clients during their most challenging times.