Grieving Mother Lisa Watson Dies After Son Ryan Watson Was Murdered by Fiancée Alice Wood

A grieving mother has died just two years after the brutal murder of her son. Lisa Watson, 44, passed away in November 2024 after suffering a pulmonary embolism. Her family believes the decline in her health was caused by the devastating loss of her son Ryan Watson, 24, who was killed by his fiancée Alice Wood in May 2022.

Ryan, who worked as a support worker, was struck by Wood’s Ford Fiesta outside their home in Rode Heath, Cheshire. Witnesses described the attack as a “game of chicken.” CCTV footage showed Wood hitting Ryan multiple times before dragging him 524 feet under her car. He died from crush asphyxiation injuries.

Ryan’s grandmother, Sandra, who has now lost both her daughter and her grandson, said: “We strongly feel that the decline in Lisa’s health and the eventual loss of her was due to my grandson’s murder. A loss is a loss, but murder makes everything especially cruel.”

Lisa had spoken of her pain after Wood was convicted of murder in January 2023. Outside court, she described her son as “bubbly, fun-loving, caring, with a heart of gold.” She said she was “living in a nightmare” knowing her son’s final moments were so violent.

Lisa’s health worsened after the trial. Family members said she “could not pick herself back up” following Ryan’s murder. They believe the stress and grief directly contributed to her sudden death.

Alice Wood, now 25, denied murder and claimed the collision was an accident. But a jury at Chester Crown Court found her guilty, and she was jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years.

Ryan and Alice had been together since March 2020 and bought a home together seven months before his death. But their relationship turned toxic, with friends noticing frequent arguments. On the night of the murder, they had attended a party where Ryan was seen chatting with another guest. Witnesses said Wood appeared jealous and angry.

After returning home, Wood—who was nearly twice the drink-drive limit—got into her car. CCTV captured her reversing into Ryan, then hitting him twice more. Neighbours described hearing his screams as he became trapped under the car.

After the impact, Wood knocked on a neighbour’s door in tears and said, “Please telephone an ambulance, I think I have run over my boyfriend.” She later told police it had been an accident and that Ryan had “jumped in front” of the car.

Despite her claims, prosecutors said she had deliberately run him down in a jealous rage. The jury agreed.

Now, just two years later, the Watson family is mourning a second tragedy. Lisa’s sudden passing has left relatives heartbroken. Sandra said: “It’s completely unfair. I understand how Lisa felt. The loss of Ryan destroyed her.”

The Watson family say both deaths will haunt them forever.