Local Mother’s Plea After Teen Daughter’s Fatal Crash
A Mother’s Message After Devastating Loss
Cody Marie Hobman is facing an unimaginable reality following the death of her 16-year-old daughter Alisha Marie Ponter in a tragic vehicle collision on the A249 near Sittingbourne last February. As she waits for sentencing of the driver responsible, Cody has chosen to speak publicly about her daughter’s life and the lessons she hopes others will learn from this tragedy. Now a prominent voice in conversations about young people’s safety on our roads, Cody describes Alisha as her best friend and source of profound wisdom. “She taught me everything,” Cody explains, “how to be a mum, what love is.” The teenager, who had aspirations of working in hair and beauty—a field that draws many young people across Surrey and Kent regions—was known for her infectious personality. Those who knew her remember Alisha as bold, sassy, and someone who could light up any room. The ripple effect of her loss extends far beyond her immediate family, profoundly impacting her six younger siblings who looked up to their older sister as a guiding presence in their lives.
Understanding the Tragedy and Road Safety Concerns
On that February evening, Alisha was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Linchem Connors, 19, from Horley—an area residents throughout Surrey and neighbouring regions know well. The car struck a road barrier and overturned, resulting in Alisha’s death. Critically, Alisha knew one of the other passengers but had never met the driver before that journey. This detail has become central to Cody’s advocacy message. At Maidstone Crown Court in July, Connors admitted to causing death by dangerous driving, with sentencing scheduled for mid-September. The case has sparked broader conversations about young people’s vulnerability and decision-making processes. Cody’s warning resonates particularly in communities across Kent and Surrey, where similar incidents have raised concerns among parents and educators. “Just because you know the passenger, you don’t know the driver,” Cody emphasises, a message that extends beyond her personal tragedy to become a crucial safety reminder for families everywhere. Her plea addresses a gap in young people’s risk assessment—the assumption that familiarity with one person guarantees safety with another.
Community Impact and Moving Forward
The loss of Alisha has profound implications for families throughout our region, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. Cody’s willingness to share her story publicly demonstrates her commitment to preventing similar tragedies. “If I can only save one life, I want other young girls not to be so trusting,” she states with conviction. For young people in Folkestone, Horsley, and surrounding areas, this serves as an opportunity to reflect on personal safety choices. Parents and guardians are encouraged to have open conversations with teenagers about verifying who they’re travelling with and trusting their instincts about unfamiliar drivers. Community organisations, schools, and youth groups can amplify Cody’s message through their networks. The family’s request is simple but profound: remember Alisha, not just as a tragedy statistic, but as the “little firecracker” who brought joy to everyone around her. As sentencing approaches, Cody remains clear that no legal outcome will fully restore what was lost. Her advocacy represents the ultimate act of maternal love—transforming personal devastation into a platform for protecting other families from similar heartbreak.
Source: Folkestone daughter who died in crash ‘taught me what love is’
