A61 accident: couple on motorbike in collision that killed six named

A motorcyclist and a passenger died in an accident that also claimed the lives of two girls with their parents.

Christopher and Janine Barton died on Sunday when the bike was involved in a collision with a car on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley, West Yorkshire Police said.

Nine-year-old Rubie Morgan-Roller and four-year-old Lillie Morgan-Roller were also killed along with their mother Shannen Morgan and father Shane Roller.

The family were all traveling in a Ford Focus when the accident happened between Staincross and Newmillerdam at around 3.55pm BST.

Mr Barton, 56, and Mrs Barton, 48, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

In a tribute issued by West Yorkshire Police, their son described the couple, who lived in Barnsley, as “a loving and caring mum and dad who always put me before everyone else”.

The A61 remains closed following the crash while forensic teams examine the scene.

Mr Roller’s father previously described his son and Ms Morgan as an “amazing” mother and father.

In a post on social media, he said: “On Sunday we lost part of our family, Shane Roller, Shannen Morgan and two beautiful nieces in a terrible car accident.

“Shane was not only a son but an amazing father and had a heart of gold.

“Shannen, our daughter-in-law, was funny and also an amazing mother and they thought the world of their little family.”

He added: “They will be sorely missed by all who knew them but will always be in our hearts and thoughts forever.

“Fly high and stay safe together.

“I love you more than words can say.”

The couple’s eldest daughter, aged 11, was not with the family, who lived in Barnsley, when the accident happened.

More than £280,000 was raised for her in less than 48 hours after a GoFundMe campaign was launched by family friend Paul Hepple.

Mr Hepple said the young woman had “lost her whole world in an instant” and donations would “ensure she has a stable and loving environment in which to heal and grow”.

Junior Tykes FC’s Paul Gorner said the family had watched one of their daughters play a match on Saturday, the day before the accident.

Mr Gorner said the club would arrange a match or tournament to help raise money for the girl.

In a statement, Clare Storr and Kirsty Wordsworth, co-principals of Athersley North Primary School, which Rubie and Lillie attended, said the girls were “a delight to teach”.

“The girls have been a credit to their parents, who have always been incredibly supportive and will be greatly missed,” they said.

Hundreds of people have already visited St Helen’s Church in Athersley on Tuesday to pay their respects, Father Peter Needham told the BBC.

“The rest of our society is full of noise and activity,” he said.

“This is not a time for noise and activity, it is a time for stillness.”

A special service will be held at 10am BST on Wednesday to “spiritually honor” the six people who lost their lives in the crash, he added.

West Yorkshire Police have appealed for anyone with information about the crash or dashcam footage to contact them.