The devastating loss of 20-month-old Finley has left his parents with an unbridgeable void in their lives. Chloe Baker's world was shattered when her car was struck from behind by Hristo Iliev's vehicle at the Holdingham roundabout on the A17 near Sleaford, Lincolnshire, in March. The impact of the collision, which occurred while Iliev was distracted by TikTok videos, left Finley unresponsive.
Finley's parents, Chloe and Daniel, spoke candidly about their anguish, stating that the senseless nature of their son's death has been particularly cruel. "Appalling choices made the day we lost Finley mean we never get to hear his little voice again," they said, their words a poignant reminder of what could have been.
Hristo Iliev, a Bulgarian national residing in Boston, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison at Lincoln Crown Court on 11 June for causing death by dangerous driving. He had previously pleaded guilty to the charge. Finley's parents described how their son had brought immense joy into their lives, filling their home with laughter, fun, and perfect chaos.
The couple fondly remembered Finley's developing bond with his older brother and the shared joy of dancing together. They also recalled Finley's great love of dogs, noting how his face would light up when he was allowed to stroke one. As they looked back on their time with Finley, they were acutely aware of the milestones that will now never be experienced – first day of school, sports day, and all the other cherished moments.
Finley's parents expressed their gratitude to those who offered assistance at the scene of the crash and to the emergency services. They vowed to "forever continue to honour and remember Finley for the beautiful little soul that he was," a testament to the enduring impact of their son's life on those around him.
As they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy, Finley's parents are left with only questions about what could have been. "We won't ever know who he would have become as an adult," they said. "His entire life was stolen from him for the most senseless of reasons." Their words serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of distracted driving.