Young journalist’s film explores the ripple effect of a road death

***About this film*** We’re sharing Chloe Bott’s film as a personal tribute to Georgia Leigh Ogden and an exploration of how her death affected her family, friends and wider community. The film was not designed as a road safety education resource.

Before watching: The film discusses a young person’s death and its impact on family and friends. Some viewers may find it distressing.

A young journalist whose teenage friend was killed in a road crash has made a film exploring the ripple effect of her death, extending beyond her immediate family to friends and the wider community.

Chloe Bott, who has recently graduated in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University, made the film in memory of Georgia Leigh Ogden, who was killed in Cheshire in June 2020, aged 17. She was a passenger in a car driven by a teenager.

Titled Dancing through Grief - A community honours Georgia Leigh Ogden, the film was made as part of Chloe’s degree coursework. Chloe, herself a young driver, explores Georgia’s life, the lasting impact of her death and the ways those who loved her have come together to honour her memory.

Through interviews with Georgia’s family, friends and dance teacher, the film considers both the personal experience of grief and the strength people find through their connections with others. A central focus is the Street Dance Academy, where Georgia spent much of her childhood performing and competing, and where her memory continues to bring dancers and families together.

The film also explores the legacy being built through The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation, established by her parents to help children and adults in need. Fundraising, dance performances and community events offer ways to remember Georgia while supporting others. Chloe said:

"I created this film to honour Georgia’s life and share her story in the hope that her legacy can help protect other young drivers. I wanted to give Georgia and her family a voice and raise awareness of the importance of road safety. I hope viewers understand how special and gorgeous Georgia was, and that her life was taken far too quickly."

She added: "The community built around her is amazing, from The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation to the Street Dance Academy, turning something so tragic into something somewhat positive. I want people to honour her life and realise how dangerous the roads can be for young drivers, and that one life lost on the road is one too many."

Research by Loughborough University’s Transport Safety Research Centre has explored the physical, psychological and family consequences of road injuries. A 2022 article featuring the university’s experts estimated that, when the effects on those around each casualty are considered, road crashes could affect more than half a million people across the UK annually.

Chloe’s film offers a personal perspective on that wider harm, giving people who knew Georgia space to describe what she meant to them, how her death continues to affect their lives and how they are keeping her memory alive. If you have been affected by a road crash, our get support page provides details of charities that can help.