SOUTH YORKSHIRE, UK – An 11-year-old British girl, Poppie Morgan-Roller, is left without a family after a tragic accident claimed the lives of her parents and two younger sisters. Poppie had opted to spend the day at a friend’s house while her parents, Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller, and sisters Rubie, 9, and Lillie, 4, embarked on a family outing. The family’s Ford Focus was involved in a fatal collision with a motorbike on their way home, leaving Poppie the sole survivor of her immediate family.
The accident occurred in the South Yorkshire town of Barnsley, UK, where the family resided. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by family friend Paul Hepple, has since raised nearly £330,000 ($425,000) to support Poppie in the wake of the tragedy. Hepple, who was caring for Poppie at the time of the accident, has described her as a “bright and resilient young girl” who has found solace in the music of Taylor Swift after the sudden loss of her family.
The accident unfolded on a major trunk road in northern England. Images from the scene depict the charred remains of the family’s vehicle. Shannen, 30, Shane, 33, Rubie, and Lillie were all pronounced dead at the scene. The motorcyclist, Christopher Barton, 56, and his wife, Janine, were also killed in the collision.
Hepple recounted the moment he received the devastating news, stating that they were in the middle of a family dinner when the phone rang. Poppie’s mother had asked him to watch over her daughter as she didn’t want to join the family outing. Poppie was enjoying her time with Hepple’s daughter when the accident occurred.
The loss has left friends and family in shock, with many taking to social media to express their grief and pledge their support for Poppie. Shane’s brother, Callum, expressed his heartbreak, stating that he was “lost for words” and that his “heart is ripped into a million pieces.” Shannen’s friend, Chelsea Element, wrote about the “utter loss” the tragedy has caused and assured that everyone will look after Poppie.
Superintendent Alan Travis of the Wakefield District Police described the incident as “absolutely tragic,” resulting in the loss of six lives. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that they are working to provide support during this difficult time.