Driver, 19, Filmed Inhaling Laughing Gas Before 100 Mph Crash Pleads Guilty to Killing 3 Teenage Friends

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Thomas Johnson received a sentence for the fatalities of Ethan Goddard and Daniel Hancock, both 18, along with Elliot Pullen, 17.

A teenager has admitted guilt for the deaths of his three friends in a high-speed car accident caused by inhaling laughing gas.

Thomas Johnson, 19, admitted guilt for causing death through dangerous driving at Oxford Crown Court in England on Wednesday, Dec. 18, after he crashed while under the influence of nitrous oxide and took the lives of three teenage boys, according to a news release from Thames Valley Police.

The accident occurred just after midnight on June 20, 2023, when Johnson was driving his BMW 3 Series at speeds nearing 100 mph and “passed another vehicle” in Marcham, Oxfordshire, with passengers Ethan Goddard and Daniel Hancock, both aged 18, and 17-year-old Elliot Pullen. He subsequently “lost control” of his vehicle and collided with a lamppost, a stone wall, and a large tree, resulting in the deaths of his three friends, according to the statement.

“This was undoubtedly one of the most disastrous and heartbreaking crashes I have ever examined.” The rates at which Johnson was driving were astonishing, especially considering the roadway he was on,” said Senior Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, also stating about Johnson, “He did not intend that night to hurt anyone, that was never part of our case. However, his choices did lead directly and tragically to the fatalities of Ethan, Elliot, and Daniel.

Johnson, who sustained serious injuries as well, received a sentence of nine years and four months in prison and was banned from driving for 11 years and 11 weeks, as stated in the release.

In the evidence collected by authorities, Johnson was seen “seemingly inhaling from a balloon, together with his front seat passenger” prior to the collision, and both boys who died had mobile phones showing Johnson inhaling nitrous oxide while driving. According to the release, canisters of nitrous oxide were discovered within the vehicle following the incident.

During an interview in November 2023, Johnson admitted he was driving the vehicle, but he stated that he could not recall any events prior to the crash or the incident itself, as reported by the police.

According to the BBC, Johnson had possessed his license for under a year when the incident occurred. He spent several months in the hospital due to severe injuries sustained in the accident.

Authorities reported that a pharmacology specialist affirmed that Johnson’s use of nitrous oxide resulted in “disorientation and overall impairment.” The release indicated that evidence was found showing the car’s traction control had been “intentionally turned off by Johnson.”

Police stated there was no evidence indicating that Johnson was under the influence of another substance.

According to the BBC, Goddard’s mother stated that “a huge void” has been created in the family after the tragedy. Hancock’s father remarked, “It’s extremely painful; it’s been 18 months now, and the pain never fades.”