I spoke to family minutes before crash which left daughter, 11, an orphan – words can’t describe our devastation
A NEIGHBOUR has described speaking to a family minutes before a horror crash which left their daughter an orphan.
Mum Shannen Morgan, dad Shane Roller, and sisters Rubie, nine, and Lillie, four, were killed when a motorbike collided with their car on the A61.
Now Megan Plummer, who lived on the same road as the “kindest” family, has told how she spoke to them just before the tragic accident.
In a post on Facebook, she wrote: “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”.
It comes after it emerged the young girl had chosen not to join her family for a day out before the tragedy.
The 11-year-old instead went to a pal’s house on Sunday afternoon.
Paul Hepple, who was looking after her at the time, said everyone was just tucking into a Sunday roast when the phone rang.
He told MailOnline: “Her mum actually contacted us and asked if we could watch [the girl] because she didn’t want to go on the walk that they went on.
“She was with our daughter having fun. And on their way home, that’s when the accident happened.
“We were having Sunday dinner as a family, and [the girl’s] auntie was with us and obviously, [she] was as well.
“And then she got a phone call and she ended up leaving really quickly to go and see what happened.”
Paul has since started a GoFundMe to help the child after she “lost her whole world in an instant”.
He wrote: “Despite her unimaginable loss, she shows incredible strength every day”.
HORROR SMASH
The horror unfolded on Sunday afternoon as the family travelled in their car on the A61 close to Wakefield.
Shocking pictures taken after the smash show the burnt out wreckage of the family’s car.
Shannen, 30, Shane, 33, and their daughters Rubie and Lillie were all declared dead at the scene.
The motorcyclist and female passenger were also killed following the collision.
Devastated friends and family have now paid tribute to the family, and vowed to look after the couple’s other daughter.
Shane’s brother Callum said he was “lost for words”, adding: “I’m absolutely heartbroken.
My heart just hurts my brain won’t accept what’s happened.
Shannen's cousin Beth Brittain
“I’m gonna miss all of you! You all had a heart of gold. My heart is ripped into a million pieces!”
Shannen’s friend 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.”
While another pal added: “My heart is absolutely shattered, I’m lost, I’m numb. It just doesn’t seem real that all four off you are gone.”
Superintendent Alan Travis of Wakefield District Police said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives.
“Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference 1157 of 21/7.
