Bridgerton author Julia Quinn’s father and sister killed in devastating accident

Julia Quinn’s sister and dad have died in a sudden car accident in Utah after being hit by an intoxicated driver.

Bridgerton
(Image credit: Netflix)

Julia Quinn, the author behind the hit book and hit series ‘Bridgerton’ has suffered from a devastating loss as her sister and father have both died in a traffic collision. 

The collision which took place in Utah on 29th June 2021 saw both Julia’s father, Steve Cotler, aged 77, and Violet Charles—whose real name is Ariana Elise Colter—aged 37, died in the crash. 

The collision also killed her younger sister Violet's service dog Michelle which was revealed in a message curated by Julia and her siblings.

The author announced this tragic news on social media. Julia said, “I have lost my father and my sister. Because a catering company did not secure its load and canvas bags spilled onto the highway. Because a pickup driver thought nothing of driving while his blood-alcohol level was nearly 3 times the legal limit."

"I have lost my father, and I don’t have my sister with whom to grieve. I have lost my sister @violetcharlescomics, with whom I had just finished a graphic novel. It was dedicated to our father.

"It will still be dedicated to our father. It won’t be a surprise anymore, but I’d like to think he suspected we’d do it. He knew us so well. He was our dad."

Fans of Julia and the series Bridgerton have flocked to support the star on social media. 

One social media user said, "My very deep condolences Julia. It saddens me to know that the author whose books helped & comforted me so much as a lost teenager have to lose her family this way."

Another fan commented, "There are no words to make this better. I’m sending love and support"

Julia Quinn wrote the Bridgerton books and has been very involved with the production of the series. She has often been seen on the set chatting with the cast and talking about their characters

Bridgerton season two is already filming and will continue to be based on Julia Quinn's novels and plotlines that she developed in her original series.

If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this article and need someone to speak to please call grief counselors 'Cruse Bereavement Care' on (UK +44 / US +1) 0808 808 1677.

Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.