In a heartbreaking turn of events, an 11-year-old girl, Poppie Morgan-Roller, was left orphaned after a catastrophic accident near Wakefield claimed the lives of her parents and two younger sisters this past Sunday. The community has swiftly rallied around her, raising over £200,000 through a GoFundMe page set up to support her future.

The tragedy struck when the family’s car, carrying Poppie’s parents Shane Roller and Shannen Morgan, along with her sisters, collided head-on with a motorcycle, bursting into flames. While Poppie was spared from the crash, having opted to stay at a friend’s house, her entire family perished at the scene.

Paul Hepple, a family friend, described the moment they received the devastating news. “We were just settling down for Sunday dinner when the emergency call came in. It was a shock that turned our quiet afternoon into a nightmare,” he shared.

The GoFundMe initiative, started by Mr. Hepple, aims to provide for Poppie’s living expenses, education, and counseling. Within hours, the campaign saw contributions from over 12,600 donors, reflecting the community’s profound support and sympathy.

“Poppie will be staying and living with her auntie, who will be her new legal guardian. We assure everyone that all donations will be used for Poppie’s well-being,” Mr. Hepple updated on the fundraising page. He emphasized that the funds might also help cover the funeral expenses for the family.

The local school, Athersley North Primary, where Poppie’s sisters Rubie and Lillie attended, expressed their sorrow. Rubie was a bright and caring girl, admired by her peers, while Lillie was creative and full of joy. Both were delightful to teach and are a tremendous loss to our community,” the school stated.

As tributes and flowers accumulate at the crash site on the A61, the community’s grief is palpable. Jamie Phillips, another family friend, reflected on the family’s presence in the community. “They were well-loved, always part of community events. It’s unimaginable that they’re gone.”

In response to the incident, Superintendent Alan Travis of Wakefield District Police remarked, “This tragic incident has not only taken six lives but has also left a young girl without her family. Our efforts are now focused on supporting her through this unimaginable loss.”

As investigations continue and the A61 remains closed, the broader Wakefield community stands united in grief and support, hoping to provide some comfort to young Poppie as she faces a future without her family