Son, 21, was ‘on holiday in Thailand’ when crash killed his parents and family with 2 young kids
A 21-YEAR-old son is said to have been holidaying in Thailand when a horror crash claimed the lives of his parents and a family with two young kids.
Christopher Barton, 56, and wife Janine, 48, were killed instantly when their motorbike collided with a Ford Focus carrying a family of four.
All four – Shane Roller, 33, Shannen Morgan, 30, along with their daughters Rubie, nine, and Lillie, four, died at the scene.
The family’s eldest daughter, 11-year-old Poppie, was staying with friends and is now an orphan.
A GoFundMe appeal for her raised £320,000 so far.
Mr and Mrs Barton, from Barnsley, are survived by their 21-year-old son who is thought to have been in Thailand at the time of the crash, reports the Daily Mail.
He has now flown home.
He paid tribute to the couple, who had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
In a statement issued via the police, he described them as “a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else”.
Their neighbour, Margaret, 87, said they were a hard-working couple who “loved life” and were “always laughing”.
Poppie will live with and be looked after by her aunt, according to Paul Hepple, also from Barnsley, a friend of the Roller family who set up the online appeal.
The horror crash happened on Sunday afternoon on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield.
It comes after a family member asked people “not to lay flowers” at Shane and Shannen’s door.
In a Facebook post, she wrote: “Firstly I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone for there kind words, love and heart felt condolences.
“Secondly, and I mean this in the kindest way possible, can I please ask people not to lay flowers at Shannen and Shane’s door.
“Poppie will need her home life to be as normal as her new normal can be. Thank you.”
A neighbour previously told how she had spoken to the tragic parents before the horror.
Megan Plummer said: “Shane, Shannen, Rubie and Lillie.
“Words can’t even begin to describe the absolute devastation of what’s happened.
“To be talking to you outside and within an hour you’re taken away is just madness and my heart actually hurts.
“You guys were the kindest family and it has been a pleasure having you as neighbours.”
She explained how her own children “adored” playing with the two girls – and Lillie was even a “little girlfriend” to one of her boys.
Megan added that a “big hole” had been left and they all would be “deeply, deeply missed”.
She also said she “hoped and prayed” their orphaned daughter would “find a way to get through this”.
Shane’s brother Callum said he was “lost for words”, adding: “I’m absolutely heartbroken. I’m gonna miss all of you! You all had a heart of gold. My heart is ripped into a million pieces!”
Shannen’s pal Chelsea Element wrote: “You are and always will be one of my closest friends.
“There are no words to describe the utter loss this has created for family/friends and the community around us.
“I hope you’re at peace Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller, with your beautiful girls.
“Everyone will always look after [the eldest girl], she will never want for anything she has the love of everyone.”
Her cousin Beth Brittain said: “My heart just hurts my brain won’t accept what’s happened.
“Shannen you were always my extra sister not just my cousin, we grew together. I just can’t speak. No words. Sleep tight my little Roller family your memory will live on for eternity.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference 1157 of 21/7.