A61 crash: Orphan girl’s future set in heartbreaking way after entire family dies in crash

The family friend of the young girl who was orphaned after her parents and sisters tragically died in a horror car crash has drawn up plans for her heartbreaking future.

Poppie, 11, is the only surviving member of her family after her mother Shannen Morgan, 30, and father Shane Roller, 33, along with their other two daughters, Lillie and Rubie, died when their car and a motorcycle collided in a rural west. Yorkshire Road on Sunday. The four members of the family traveling in a Ford Focus were killed at around 3.45pm on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley.

The man and woman on the motorcycle also died at the scene, police said. Poppie, who was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash, is being cared for by a family friend who has set up a fundraising page for the “bright and resilient girl known for her infectious smile and kind heart”.

Paul Hepple, the organizer of the GoFundMe page, launched a plea for support from strangers on Monday. “We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts and a plea for help,” he wrote. “On July 21, 2024, a tragic car accident took the lives of Poppie’s entire family – her loving mother, father and two younger sisters.” In a tragic admission, he added: “Poppie lost her whole world in an instant.”

The 37-year-old father of four agreed to look after Poppie after receiving a call from her mother saying she did not want to join them for a walk on Sunday. The software developer, who is a long-time friend of her parents, told how they were preparing for a Sunday dinner when they received an emergency phone call that turned their lives upside down.

Mr Hepple revealed the youngster, who enjoys playing football and being outdoors, showed “incredible strength” and found comfort in music as a Taylor Swift fan. The page’s creator added: “Poppie now faces an uncertain future.

“With her immediate family gone, she needs support to ensure she has a stable, loving environment in which she can heal and grow.” He explained that the funds raised, now over £215,000 at the time of writing, will be used for living expenses, supplies and extracurricular activities, along with counseling and emotional support.

He also said the money would be used to set up a trust fund to “provide for Poppie’s long-term well-being and any unforeseen needs that may arise.” In a heartfelt update to the page, Mr Hepple said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers as he thanked donors for their kindness.

“Your support is making a profound difference in Poppie’s life, giving her the stability and care she needs during this difficult time,” he wrote. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your donations, shares and heartfelt messages. We will continue to keep you posted on Poppie’s journey. Your compassion and support means the world to her.”

In an update on Tuesday, he explained his relationship with Poppie, confirming that he is a close friend of her family and that his stepdaughter is her best friend. He also confirmed that the young woman had stayed with them since the tragic incident.

Mr Hepple then explained that she would now move in with her aunt – “an amazing, loving and capable guardian” – and that all funds would go directly to her. “She will be fully responsible for managing the donations, ensuring that all funds are used for Poppie’s welfare, including living expenses, education and any counseling she may need,” he wrote.

“Additionally, a portion of the funds can be used for funeral expenses for Poppie’s family, if they choose. Thank you all again for your incredible generosity and support. Your contributions make a significant difference in Poppie’s life, giving her stability. and the care he needs during this difficult time.”

Tributes poured in for the family online, with Mr Roller’s brother Callum saying on social media: “It absolutely broke my heart and it absolutely broke both sides of the families. You all had a heart of gold and you will all be missed like crazy…heart goes out to Shannen’s side of the family and mine.”

Speaking outside Wakefield district headquarters on Monday afternoon, Surf. Alan Travis from West Yorkshire Police has appealed for any witnesses to come forward, as well as anyone with dashcam footage. He said: “To the officers and emergency services who attended the scene, I would like to pass on my thanks to the officers in West Yorkshire and also South Yorkshire who supported us, as well as Western Fire and Rescue Service and South and Yorkshire Ambulance. Service.”

He added: “My hearts go out to the family and loved ones who have lost people in this incident. This is a truly horrific collision that we are currently in the early stages of investigating. I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or the dash cam footage to please contact the Major Collision Investigation Team.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage who has not already been in contact with police is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101. You can still donate to the GoFundMe page.