Heartbreaking reason girl, 11, wasn't in car during crash that killed whole family
Poppie Roller has been left orphaned after the tragic crash and a fund has now been launched to support her.
Eleven-year-old Poppie Roller narrowly escaped a horror smash that wiped out her whole family.
Poppie was orphaned after the horrific road accident on Sunday in West Yorkshire which killed her mum, Shannen Morgan, 30, dad Shane Roller, 33 and her sisters Lillie, four, and Rubie, aged nine.
The collision on the A61 Barnsley Road between Barnsley and Wakefield involved the family’s car as well as a motorcyclist with a passenger - both of whom also died.
But it was only thanks to a last-minute request that young Poppie wasn’t also on the journey that claimed all of her family’s lives.
She was being looked after by Paul Hepple, 37, after he got a call from mum Shannen asking if she could stay as they went for a family walk.
Software developer Paul said: "Her mum actually contacted us and asked if we could watch Poppie because she didn’t want to go on the walk that they went on,” reports The Mirror.
He continued: “So we were watching Poppie as she’s best mates with our daughter.
“She was with our daughter having fun. And on their way home, that’s when the accident happened.”
While they were having Sunday dinner - which also included Poppie’s auntie - they received a phone call and left quickly.
Paul has now set up a GoFundMe donation page that has raised more than £200,000 in just a few hours.
Its purpose is to help Poppie with future living expenses, education, counselling and emotional support and future care.
The fundraiser page said: “Poppie is a bright and resilient young girl, known for her infectious smile and kind heart.
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“Despite her unimaginable loss, she shows incredible strength every day.
“She loves football and playing outdoors. Poppie is also a huge Taylor Swift fan and finds comfort in her music.”
In the aftermath of the accident, West Yorkshire Police said: "Six people, including four adults and two children, have died in a collision between Wakefield and Barnsley this afternoon (21/7)."
They said the earliest calls they received about the dire event concerning a Ford Focus and a motorcycle were made at 3.54pm.
Superintendent Alan Travis, from Wakefield District Police, said, "This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives."
He added: "Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time."
Anyone who would like to support Poppie can donate to Paul Hepple's campaign via GoFundMe here.
