A mother has become the third person to die after a tipper truck crashed into a pony and trap, killing her husband and three-year-old daughter.
Rita Connors’ husband Francie Connors and their child Ka were killed in the fatal collision on the A228 in East Peckham, near Tonbridge in Kent, on the evening of April 1.
The mother-of-four was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, but Kent Police yesterday confirmed she had tragically died.
A white DAF tipper truck was driving southbound when it struck the pony and trap, which was travelling in the same direction.
Mr Connors and the pony died at the scene, while Ka died in hospital shortly afterwards.
The driver, a 29-year-old man from Kent, was arrested in connection with the crash but has since been released on bail.
Following the tragedy, Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star and Celebrity Big Brother winner Paddy Doherty – who is related to the family – led tributes.
In a series of emotional Facebook videos, a devastated Doherty described the fatal collision as a ‘travesty,’ revealing the profound heartbreak of losing his relatives in a ‘split blink’.
Doherty detailed the moment a ‘juggernaut’ struck the family’s cart, claiming the lives of Mr Connors, his daughter Ka, and their horse. He paid a moving tribute to three-year-old Ka, describing her as a ‘little princess’.
On social media, people shared their thoughts and prayers for Mrs Connors following the news of her death.
One woman wrote: ‘Never heard of anything like this. RIP Rita Francie Connors. God mind and look over your three boys.’
Another added: ‘God love their poor little boys. RIP Francie and his wife Rita and their little girl. Never seen anything like this.’
On Facebook, one user said: ‘So sad can’t believe it rest in peace Beautiful Angel god give them the strength.’
Floral tributes have been laid at the scene of the crash last Wednesday.
In a statement Kent Police told the Daily Mail: ‘A third person has died following a collision in East Peckham near Tonbridge.
‘The incident happened on the A228 Boyle Way, between the junctions of Branbridges Road and Hale Street, at 6.25pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
‘A white DAF tipper truck was being driven on the southbound carriageway when it was involved in a collision with a pony and trap travelling in the same direction.
‘Patrols, South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended and a man in his 30s, who was in the trap, was confirmed deceased at the scene.
‘A woman and young girl who had also been riding in the trap were taken to hospital. The young girl was confirmed deceased at hospital.
‘The woman died in hospital on Thursday 9 April 2026.
‘The pony also died at the scene.
‘The driver of the tipper, a 29-year-old man from Kent, was arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit. He was taken into custody and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
‘An investigation into the circumstances is underway and officers are continuing to urge any witnesses or anyone who saw the truck or pony and trap prior to the collision, to contact the appeal line.
‘Call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference BN/JG/027/26.
‘Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.police.uk. Dashcam footage can be uploaded here.’
