Horsley Teen’s Death Sparks Road Safety Warning
A Mother's Message in Grief
Cody Marie Hobman, a mother who became a parent at just 15, is preparing to face a critical moment in her family's journey through unimaginable loss. Her daughter, Alisha Marie Ponter, 16, was killed in a serious collision on the A249 near Sittingbourne last February when the vehicle she was travelling in struck a road barrier and overturned. Now, as Linchem Connors, the 19-year-old driver from the Horsley area, faces sentencing on 15 September after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving, Cody is channelling her grief into a message of caution for young people across our region. “She taught me everything,” Cody reflects, her words carrying the weight of someone whose world fundamentally changed in an instant. “She was not only my daughter, she was my best friend.” Alisha, described by her mother as bold, sassy, and beautiful, harboured ambitions to pursue a career in hair and beauty—the kind of dreams that reflect a lifetime yet to unfold. Through her pain, Cody is determined that her daughter's memory serves a greater purpose: protecting others from making similar tragic mistakes.
Learning Lessons About Trust and Safety
One of the most poignant aspects of Cody's testimony is her urgent plea to young girls across Surrey, Folkestone, and surrounding communities to reconsider how much they trust strangers behind the wheel. Alisha knew one of the other passengers in the vehicle, which created a false sense of security—she did not, however, know the driver. This distinction has become central to Cody's campaign to raise awareness among teenagers about the risks they may unknowingly take. “Just because you know the passenger, you don't know the driver,” Cody emphasises, hoping her words will reach even one young person and prompt them to ask crucial questions before getting into a car. Her message is practical and heartfelt: verify who is driving, trust your instincts, and never assume familiarity with one person means safety with another. The crash didn't just impact Alisha—it devastated her six siblings, who looked up to her as the best older sister and family anchor. The ripple effect of dangerous driving extends far beyond the immediate tragedy, affecting entire families, schools, and communities who knew and loved the victim.
Community Support and Moving Forward
As we await the sentencing decision on 15 September, local residents are reminded of the fragility of life and the profound responsibility we all share when behind the wheel. Cody has expressed that no sentence will ever fully restore what her family has lost—even a life sentence cannot bring Alisha home. Her determination to keep her daughter's memory alive and prevent similar tragedies demonstrates the resilience many families find in the darkest moments. For those in our community struggling with grief, loss, or the aftermath of trauma, support services including counselling and victim support organisations are available. Schools, particularly those in the Horsley, Woking, Dorking, Guildford, and East Horsley areas, may consider reinforcing road safety education and discussions about peer pressure among younger drivers. Local community groups, youth organisations, and even small businesses—from bathroom fitters to bathroom refurbishment specialists—can all play a role in supporting grieving families and promoting safer practices. If you or someone you know needs support, contact local victim services or counselling organisations. Alisha's story is a reminder that every decision behind the wheel matters, and every life is irreplaceable.
Source: Folkestone daughter who died in crash ‘taught me what love is'
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