An eight-year-old girl has been left orphaned and seriously injured after her parents and brother were killed in a horrific motorway crash on the way home from a family holiday.
Andy Moore, 46, his partner Swala Harling, 47, and their son Sebastian Moore, 14, died when their BMW came off the M5 near Gloucester on May 30.
Their eight-year-old daughter, who was also in the car, survived and is now being cared for by relatives.
The family had been returning to their home in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, after a trip to Cornwall. Friends have since launched a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs and support the little girl in her recovery.
Rich Hardy, 46, who has been friends with mechanic Andy since they met at secondary school in Chesterfield, paid tribute.
He said: ‘It’s devastating. Andy has been my best mate for the last 36 years, he was a constant joker with a dark sense of humour but he is the sort of person who would always be there for you no matter what.
‘Swala was quiet but an absolute genuine person and an absolute brilliant mum, they were always together doing things as a family. They had been together for around 20 years.
‘Sebastian was a big rugby fan, he had inherited his dad’s sarcastic side.
‘I remember he broke my ribs at Christmas just play fighting because he was a lot stronger than he thought he was.
‘They had been planning to drive home from Cornwall the next day but left early to beat the traffic. We are a group of six friends and were having a laugh and a joke in our WhatsApp and then a couple of days after it happened I got the news and it just knocked me off my feet.’
Sebastian – known to friends as Seb – played for Chesterfield Panthers rugby club’s Under-15s squad, having joined at the start of the season.
In a tribute posted on Facebook, the club said: ‘Seb and Andy became part of our club like they had always been with us – respected by teammates, coaches and parents alike.
‘Seb was a kind, calm and friendly young man, always willing to listen, always with a smile, and always giving his best for the team.
‘Andy’s presence on the sidelines and around the club was just as valued – warm, supportive and easy to talk to.
‘He was a lovely man and a true gentleman who, like his son, became part of our club in the most natural and meaningful way. Both Seb and Andy left a lasting impression on everyone who met them, and their loss is deeply felt by all of us.
‘Swala’s passing is equally heartbreaking. Though not as closely involved at the club, it is clear how much love and warmth she brought to her family, and how deeply missed she will be by those who knew her.’
An inquest opened last week at Flax Bourton, near Bristol, heard that Andy had been driving the vehicle, with Swala — who worked in IT — in the front passenger seat and Sebastian in the rear.
Police closed the M5 for most of the following day to carry out an investigation at what was described as a ‘very complex scene’. A full inquest will take place at a later date.
Following the crash, Inspector Mark Vicary, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: ‘Our thoughts first and foremost are with the child in hospital and loved ones who have received the most awful news overnight. A specially-trained officer will provide them with support at this difficult time.’
Explaining why he set up the fundraiser – which has already raised nearly £14,000 – Rich, 46, added: ‘We are just focussed in doing our best for that little girl because I know if it was the other way around he would be doing exactly the same for us.’
