Girl, 11, orphaned by crash that killed six
Police have named four members of the same family who died, along with a man and a woman, when a car and a motorbike collided.
West Yorkshire Police said Shane Roller, 33, his 30-year-old partner Shannen Morgan and their daughters Rubie and Lillie Morgan-Roller, aged nine and four, were killed near Wakefield on Sunday afternoon.
The force was not yet in a position to name the motorcyclist and pillion passenger who also died at the scene on the A61.
The family were travelling in a Ford Focus which was understood to have burst into flames following the collision which happened at about 3.54pm.
A gofundme page set up for their 11-year-old daughter, who was not in the car, had reached more than £31,000 by Monday lunchtime.
The fundraiser page said: “We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts and a plea for help. On 21 July 2024, a tragic car accident took the lives of [the surviving girl’s] entire family – her loving mum, dad, and two little sisters.
“At just 11 years old, [she] has lost her whole world in an instant.”
Friends and family members paid tribute to the family on social media, as the community rallied round the orphaned girl.
Mr Roller’s brother wrote on Facebook on Sunday: “I’m absolutely heartbroken I’m gonna miss all of you… My heart goes out to Shannen’s side of the family and mine… We are all in absolute shock.”
Another wrote: “They should all have grown old not have been taken so young. This has devastated us and is so heartbreaking I can’t even believe it’s real.”
Meanwhile a former colleague of Mr Roller said: “It was a pleasure to work with Shane Roller. My heartfelt condolences go out to the whole family and friends.”
Another social media user wrote: “My brain won’t accept what’s happened,” adding: “Sleep tight my little Roller family, your memory will live on for eternity.”
The collision scene remained closed while police investigations continued. Photographs show the badly damaged carriageway between Staincross, Barnsley, and Newmillerdam, Wakefield.
Supt Alan Travis, of Wakefield District Police, today appealed for witnesses to come forward with any dash cam footage following the collision.
He confirmed that all six people died at the scene, saying it was an “absolutely tragic incident” for the officers and emergency services who attended. He said: “Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time.”
Anyone with any information has been asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101.
Dan Jarvis, the Security minister, who is also MP for Barnsley North, wrote on Twitter: “Devastating news. My heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives.”
