Son of biker and wife killed in horror crash becomes second person to be left orphaned by smash
23 July 2024, 14:10 | Updated: 23 July 2024, 19:03
The son of a married couple who died in a crash has become the second person to be orphaned in the collision.
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Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48, were travelling on a motorbike when they collided with Shannen Morgan, Shane Roller, and sisters Rubie, nine, and Lillie, four.
The pair were both declared dead at the scene of Sunday's crash with the family's Ford Focus on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley.
Paying tribute to the couple, who recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, their son said his parents were a "loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else".
Shannen, 30, Shane, 33, and their daughters Rubie and Lillie were all declared dead at the scene.The couple's eldest daughter Poppie, 11, had not joined her family for a day out and was instead at a friend's home at the time.
Today, a family friend said Poppie is to now live with her aunt.
A GoFundMe set up by family friend Paul Hepple to support the child and her future has already raised £260,000 since it was set up yesterday.
In an update on Tuesday, Mr Hepple said he was "deeply grateful" for the donations."
The love and support we have received from all of you have been truly overwhelming, and we are deeply grateful."
Regarding the donations, he reassured donors that every penny will go directly to the girl's new guardian, her aunt.
He said her aunt will ensure all funds are used for her well-being, including her living expenses, education, and any counseling she may need.
Additionally, some of the funds may be used for the funeral expenses for the family."Thank you all once again for your incredible generosity and support," he added.
