Britain's Got Talent finalist Letitia Cuney and her partner killed in car crash as police arrest man on suspicion of 'drug driving'

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Letitia Cuney and her partner Cheryl Pierre have been killed in a car crash as their family pay tribute. 

The accident happened on December 28 and involved a silver BMW 520D, driven by Letitia and a white Nissan Qashqai on the A10 near Chittering in Cambridgeshire. A passenger in the BMW was taken to hospital with minor injuries. 

Letitia died on December 30 and Cheryl died on January 1.  

Police have arrested a man, 54, from Haddenham on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, drug driving and possession of class A drugs. 

He has since been released on bail until March 27.

Letitia - who grew up in America and was brought up by a military family, was a member of choir NSO (Northants Sings Out), that reached the final of ITV show BGT in 2024.

The singer's family have described her as a 'true legend'. 

'Guided by her values and love for her family, she made the courageous decision to move to England with her one-year-old child, despite having never visited the country before. 

'This move was driven by the more relaxed laws around same-sex relationships, allowing her and her family to live openly and safely.

'Following her move, Letitia led an industrious and fulfilling life as a teacher. Known to many as “Miss Cuney,” she is remembered as a teacher who took time to understand each pupil while undoubtedly being the funniest teacher in the school. 

'She was once labelled as a “legend” by her students. A title she wore with pride and often reminded her daughter that her actions were due to the fact “your mum’s a legend.” 

'Over the years, students continuously reach out to thank her and say she was their favourite teacher. Letitia worked in a number of schools across Essex and Northamptonshire, touching the lives of countless students.'

They continued: 'In the last ten years, Letitia became a devoted member of Northampton’s Britain’s Got Talent finalist choir, NSO. 

'She was seen front and centre during their performances and regularly joked that the choir director had stolen her dance moves to teach the rest of the group.

'To everyone who met Letitia, she was a force to be reckoned with - an energetic, powerful presence and a genuinely kind-hearted individual. She always did the right thing and was never too busy to help anyone who needed her.

'She will be sorely missed as a mother, sister, daughter, teacher, colleague, and friend to many.'

Cheryl’s family described her as a 'much-loved mum, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend, with a massive heart who always saw the best in everyone.'

They said in a statement: 'She was completely selfless and dedicated her life to her children, always putting them first and doing everything she could to give them the best life possible. 

'She was the centre of our family, bringing everyone together, offering a shoulder to cry on, and giving the most thoughtful advice whenever it was needed.

'Cheryl had a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious personality that could light up any room. She loved expressing herself through her amazing, colourful fashion and brought joy wherever she went. 

'In her free time, she attended a dementia choir group, something she cared deeply about and enjoyed being part of. She had recently become a grandmother and absolutely adored her grandchild, whom she loved and spoiled endlessly.

'Cheryl will be remembered for her grace, strength, and positive energy. She leaves behind an unfillable gap in our lives, but her love, warmth, and kindness will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.'

After viral performances with DJ AG in Brixton, London and a national spotlight on Britain’s Got Talent, NSO enjoyed a UK tour in 2025.

The choir had spent last month greeting travellers at Heathrow Airport to spread festive cheer in multiple languages.

According to their website, their debut national tour, Club Classics Live on Stage, was a euphoric celebration of the dance anthems that defined decades from 70s disco to 90s Brit pop to 2000s dance anthems and every classic from across every genre. 

The choir is led by Gareth Fuller, who said of their Britain's Got Talent journey: 'When we got on the stage it was electric. 

'We had an amazing time… we wanted to show people what we do… show what it would be like to come to one of our shows… we want to change the perception of what community choirs are.'

The choir focused heavily on community, inclusivity and innovation and the likes if Madonna, Chris Evans and Chaka Khan had all called themselves fans.

They famously performed a version of Fatboy Slim's Praise You on the ITV talent show and Simon Cowell said at the time: 'It's absolutely spot on.'

Adding: 'I'm gonna praise you - that's what I wanna do. It was again, the best performance you've done since we first saw you at the auditions.'

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage. Anyone with information or footage should report it through the force's website quoting op Becontree. 

Anyone without internet access should call 101.