Brit holidaying in Thailand receive news of parents’ death in UK
A 21 year old Brit holidaying in Thailand received the horrifying news that his parents had died in a tragic crash.
Lewis Barton’s parents, 56 year old Christopher Barton and 48 year old Janine Barton were on their motorbike, enjoying a day out at Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, when they collided with a Ford Focus on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley. The impact killed the Bartons instantly, along with 33 year old Shane Roller, his partner 30 year old Shannen Morgan, and their daughters Rubie and Lillie, aged nine and four respectively.
The couple’s eldest daughter, 11 year old Poppie, escaped the deadly accident as she had chosen to stay at a friend’s house rather than join her family for the outing.
Barton, devastated, flew back home immediately after hearing the tragic news. In a tribute released through West Yorkshire Police, he described his parents as “a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else.”
Neighbours in Barnsley were in shock. An 87 year old woman, Margaret, who lived nearby, remembered the couple fondly.
“They loved life, they were always laughing. It’s the biggest tragedy I’ve ever come across.”
The Bartons had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and had recently finished renovating their garden, planning a big celebration, reported Daily Mail UK.
The incident has also left Roller and Morgan’s eldest daughter, Poppie, orphaned. A family friend, Paul Hepple, has been caring for her. Hepple set up a GoFundMe page which has raised over £31,000 (around 1 million baht) for her future care.
“Poppie is now staying with her auntie, who is an amazing, loving, and capable guardian. The love and support we have received from all of you have been truly overwhelming.”
Shane’s father, Graham Roller, paid a heartfelt tribute to his lost family on Facebook.
“Shane wasn’t just a son but an amazing father with a heart of gold. Shannen was an amazing mum, and they adored their little family. They will always be in our hearts and thoughts forever.”
