Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that a man arrested after a road crash that killed a young man in Torquay, Devon, last summer will face no further police action. Police confirmed the decision on January 29, 2026.
The incident took place on August 31, 2025, on Torwood Street and resulted in the death of 24-year-old soldier Ben Rafton.
According to reports, a man in his 20s was initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Officers said that after a five-month forensic collision investigation there was “no evidence supporting a prosecution,” so the case will not be taken to court.
The crash involved a black Audi Q5, a grey Ford Ranger, and the blue Suzuki SV650 motorcycle that Mr Rafton was riding. Emergency services attended the scene, but the rider was pronounced deceased at the scene.
In a tribute shared with ITV, Mr Rafton’s family described him as a “fine young man” whose life was full of adventure. His father, Barrie Rafton, said Ben’s “magnetic personality, [and] infectious smile and laughter will be missed by many.”
While the police criminal investigation has now concluded, a file is being prepared for HM Coroner ahead of the expected inquest. The coroner’s inquiry will examine the circumstances of the collision to provide the family and the public with further detail about what happened.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
