‘Devastated’ Susanna Reid fights back tears as she tells GMB guest ‘I have boys your age’
SUSANNA Reid admitted she was left “devastated ‘ for the families of three teenagers who died in a 100mph collision as she fought back tears on Good Morning Britain.
The broadcaster’s emotions were clear as she returned to work on Monday’s ITV daytime show.
Susanna, 57, and Good Morning Britain co-host Ed Balls, 54, welcomed Elliot Pullen’s sister Mia and auntie Laura Oakes to the programme for the emotional chat.
In June 2023, Elliot – who was 17 – and pals Daniel Hancock, 18, Ethan Goddard, 18, were killed after travelling in a car driven by 19-year-old Thomas Johnson.
He was captured driving his BMW at more than 100mph on a 30mph road as he overtook other cars – while a shocking video showed him inhaling laughing gas shortly before he killed his three friends.
Johnson then smashed into a tree in Marcham, Oxfordshire – killing all three of his passengers.
In December 2024 Thomas, who suffered life-threatening injuries, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to nine years behind bars.
Susanna branded the tragic incident an “absolute senseless loss of life” before Mia said: “I just want them to see the horror this has caused our family.
“It’s absolutely torn us apart.
“Our lives will never be the same. It’s had such a riplle effect over the families, the friends. Everyone.
“It’s never worth it.”
She added the incident was “senseless” and said: “One small change, if he had slowed down, if he stopped taking the laughing gas when driving.
“It was such an immature decision.
“If anyone can take away from this that it isn’t worth it, we have done our job. We have made an impact.”
Laura, who works as a family liaison officer for the Police, said: “the day this happened was the worst nightmare for us all.”
They were joined by victim Daniel’s father Alex from a live video link as they discussed the potential for graduated driving licences to help tackle dangerous driving.
Good Morning Britain presenters
Current presenters:
- Susanna Reid (presenters Monday to Wednesday and alternate Thursdays) – 2014 to present
- Kate Garraway (presenters alternate Thursdays and Fridays) – 2014 to present
- Martin Lewis (Money Saving Expert) – 2021 to present
- Richard Madeley (presents Monday to Thursday) – 2022 to present
- Ed Balls (presents on a rotating basis) – 2022 to present
- Adil Ray (presents on Fridays) – 2024 to present
- Robert Rinder (presents on a rotating basis) – 2024 to present
- Charlotte Hawkins (stand in and holiday cover presenter) 2014 to present
Former presenters:
- Ben Shephard (Thursdays and Fridays) – 2014 to 2024
- Sean Fletcher (Monday–Friday) – 2014
- John Stapleton (Wednesday) – 2014
- Piers Morgan (Monday to Wednesday) – 2015 to 2021
- Lorraine Kelly (Monday to Friday) – 2022
As the emotional chat rounded up, mum-of-three Susanna was visibly – and understandably – emotional.
She fought back tears as she told the GMB guests: “I have boys the same age.
“You just hope they will never be in a car with someone driving like that.
“I am devastated for you all. Our hearts go out for you all.”
Susanna is parent to Finn, 21, Jack, 20, and Sam, 23, who she shares with ex Dominic Cotton.
The pair got together in 1998 and split in 2014.
Susanna made the decision in 2022 to step away from any ”extra” work in order to spend more time with her children.
ROAD TRAGEDY
In December, Oxford Crown Court heard the horror unfolded on June 20 last year when Johnson had his licence for less than a year.
Prosecutor Neil Moore said: “It’s quite clear on the evidence that the defendant had been taking nitrous oxide from the canister with the assistance of a balloon to inhale it for some considerable time before the collision.”
In the footage, tyres could be heard screeching as Johnson drifted around a corner at high speed.
Two witnesses said they heard a car skidding or drifting nearby shortly before they were overtaken by a silver BMW.
Moments later they came across the mangled wreckage of the car and called 999.
Police found one canister of nitrous oxide in the driver’s footwell and a further eight were found in the boot of the car, the court heard.
They also discovered the BMW’s electronic stability control had been deliberately switched off.
Johnson later told police he did not remember what happened and claimed he had not used nitrous oxide that year.
He added: “I remember doing it once last year with a group of friends before I could even drive but I don’t have any recollection after that.”
Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Bill Khindey said: “Thomas Johnson’s disregard for the safety of others that night was clear.
“His dangerous driving had devastating consequences – tragically cutting short the lives of three young men.
“This is a responsibility he must reflect on as he serves his time in prison.
“We recognise that no sentence can alleviate the pain suffered by the families of Elliot, Ethan and Daniel, and our thoughts remain with them.”