Mum pays tribute to daughter, 2, as murder investigation launched
Tributes[1] have been paid to a two-year-old girl from Leicester who died in Lincolnshire over the weekend. Oria Henry was pronounced dead at the scene along with her father Ashley Henry, 35, after police were called to the scene of a crash between a car and a lorry in the Anwick area.
Police are investigating the incident and have launched a murder enquiry, while Oria's family and those who knew her are grieving her loss. Oria's mother, Rachael Leader, has shared several posts online about her daughter's passing, including sharing a statement on Instagram addressing her loss.
She wrote: "Wow, the emptiness I feel is indescribable. Struggling to look at her photos because it makes me feel sick.
"I miss her so much. Mornings were one of my favourite times with her. She was so happy to see me and gave the most wonderful cuddles.
"I'm not going to speak on anything until the investigation is concluded and Ashley's funeral has taken place. I don't feel I'm able to properly grieve until the inquest into her death has been finalised and that could be weeks.
"For now, I have God, I have my partner, my family and friends and the love from hundreds of people, which I feel in my heart. The prayers are giving me strength and I want to thank you all for praying for me and my baby.
"I know she's with me, she'll always be with me. My precious little girl.
"I take comfort knowing she's back with God and is being protected until I see her again. My beautiful girl, mummy's little angel."
A number of posts have also been made on social media, with tributes pouring in for Oria and her family. One user wrote: "I can’t begin to imagine how you are feeling Rach, I am so so sorry, sending you all the love and strength. My heart breaks."
Another said: "My heart has completely shattered. I can’t even begin to think how you’re feeling but I’m sending all my love and strength to you. If you need anything please just let me know!"
While a third added: "This is beyond heartbreaking. I’m so so sorry. I can’t begin to imagine the pain you’re in. Remember the love. Stay strong."
Lincolnshire Police's investigation into the incident is continuing, with the collision happening at around 2.45pm on Sunday, June 18. The force has confirmed that specialist officers are supporting the family, as well as confirming that Ashley and Oria were father and daughter on Wednesday morning.
In a statement the force said: "We have launched a murder investigation after a fatal collision between a lorry and a car in Anwick. Driver Ashley Henry, 35, and passenger Oria Henry, 2, from Leicester were travelling along Main Road in a Blue Nissan Quashqai when the incident took place at around 2.45pm on Sunday, 18 June.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Our investigation into the incident continues but after careful consideration we can confirm we have begun a murder investigation into the death of two-year-old Oria.
"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident but cannot provide further details at this time. Our thoughts remain with the family of those who lost their lives in this collision and specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time."
If you have any information which may help the police's enquiries, you should contact them on 101, asking for Lincolnshire Police if necessary, and quoting incident number 264 of June 18.
References
- ^ Tributes (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Two dead as murder investigation launched after crash between lorry and car (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)