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Family 'heartbroken' over France motorway crash deaths | |
(about 5 hours later) | |
The family of a British man and two children killed in a crash in France have said they are "heartbroken". | |
John Crompton, 31, from Hartlepool, Teesside, was driving with his family near Dijon when the crash occurred on Sunday morning. | John Crompton, 31, from Hartlepool, Teesside, was driving with his family near Dijon when the crash occurred on Sunday morning. |
Morgan Christian Lund, aged nine, and four-year-old Evie-Lily Crompton also died at the scene. | |
The children's mother, Makayla Louise Lund, and two-year-old Kyle Lucas Crompton were injured. | The children's mother, Makayla Louise Lund, and two-year-old Kyle Lucas Crompton were injured. |
Both were taken to hospital, where Ms Lund's condition is described as stable, while Kyle remains seriously ill. | Both were taken to hospital, where Ms Lund's condition is described as stable, while Kyle remains seriously ill. |
More updates on this story and other North East stories on our live page. | More updates on this story and other North East stories on our live page. |
In a statement issued through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office the family said: "A devastating tragedy has left our family heartbroken forever. | |
"Our lives have been torn apart and will never be the same again. We have lost the heart of our family." | |
'Total shock' | 'Total shock' |
Friends have left messages on a Facebook page for the Hartlepool Billiards and Snooker group, of which Mr Crompton was a member. | Friends have left messages on a Facebook page for the Hartlepool Billiards and Snooker group, of which Mr Crompton was a member. |
Colin Harrison wrote: "Heartbreaking news about one of the league's top players. | Colin Harrison wrote: "Heartbreaking news about one of the league's top players. |
"John Crompton and two of his children were tragically killed in a road accident in France. | "John Crompton and two of his children were tragically killed in a road accident in France. |
"Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. very talented and well liked man. RIP mate." | "Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. very talented and well liked man. RIP mate." |
Brian Trueman added: "Tragic tragic news, a family ripped apart far too young. I'm deeply shocked." | Brian Trueman added: "Tragic tragic news, a family ripped apart far too young. I'm deeply shocked." |
The children's school issued a statement. | The children's school issued a statement. |
Lee Walker, headteacher at Hartlepool's Barnard Grove Primary, said the school was in "total shock" and that prayers and thoughts were with the family. | Lee Walker, headteacher at Hartlepool's Barnard Grove Primary, said the school was in "total shock" and that prayers and thoughts were with the family. |
He added: "Morgan was a Year 4 pupil who was an extremely popular member of his class, as well as the school in general. | He added: "Morgan was a Year 4 pupil who was an extremely popular member of his class, as well as the school in general. |
"His sense of humour, fun and positive attitude brought life and joy to all. | "His sense of humour, fun and positive attitude brought life and joy to all. |
"Evie-Lily was in our nursery and was the most kind-hearted and caring girl you could ever wish to meet. | "Evie-Lily was in our nursery and was the most kind-hearted and caring girl you could ever wish to meet. |
"The pupils and staff are heartbroken and we are all helping each other to come to terms with this devastating news." | "The pupils and staff are heartbroken and we are all helping each other to come to terms with this devastating news." |
An appeal fund has also been set up for the surviving family members by Laura Austwicke, who urged people to pray for their recovery. | An appeal fund has also been set up for the surviving family members by Laura Austwicke, who urged people to pray for their recovery. |
She wrote: "We are aware that there is another GoFundMe page set up in euros; however we'd like to set up another page in the UK for those wanting to donate in GBP." | She wrote: "We are aware that there is another GoFundMe page set up in euros; however we'd like to set up another page in the UK for those wanting to donate in GBP." |
The family's Nissan may have lost control after the driver fell asleep or became distracted, investigators have said. | The family's Nissan may have lost control after the driver fell asleep or became distracted, investigators have said. |
In an interview with the France3 TV channel, a member of the emergency services said two of the children were dead when they arrived and Mr Crompton was trapped. | In an interview with the France3 TV channel, a member of the emergency services said two of the children were dead when they arrived and Mr Crompton was trapped. |
He was said to have died from a heart attack minutes after he was released from the wreckage. | He was said to have died from a heart attack minutes after he was released from the wreckage. |
Cleveland Police said it was assisting the French authorities over the collision, and liaising with the Foreign Office. | Cleveland Police said it was assisting the French authorities over the collision, and liaising with the Foreign Office. |