Tributes paid to mum and daughter killed in horror Storm Babet five-vehicle smash
Tributes have been paid to a mum and her daughter who were killed in a motorway[1] crash as Storm Babet battered the UK. Cheryl Wood, 61, and her daughter Sarha Smith, 40, died in the multi-vehicle collision.
Five vehicles were involved in the incident – three cars, a National Highways vehicle and a lorry on the M4 last Friday, October 20. It is understood a National Highways traffic officer was dealing with a minor road traffic collision on the hard shoulder shortly before the fatal incident.
Two other people involved in the collision suffered minor injuries and were treated by paramedics at the scene. Now, heartbroken family members have paid tribute to the pair, from Caerphilly.
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The family released a moving statement issued through Wiltshire Police[4], WalesOnline reports[5]. It read: “Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend.
“Her selflessness was a defining trait, consistently prioritising her family’s well-being over her own, and she took immense pride in her Welsh heritage while nurturing a deep love for nature.” To Sarha, they said: “In the footsteps of her mother, unselfishly devoted herself to her family’s needs ahead of her own.
“She was not only a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but her absence leaves a void for those who relied on her radiant presence. Her legacy lives on through her six daughters, who will forever hold her memory close and strive to honour her with their efforts.”
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police[6] added that the families had asked for privacy. Emergency services were called to the eastbound carriageway of the motorway[7], between junction 17 for Chippenham and junction 18 for Bath, at about 9.10am.
A full motorway[8] closure was in place as emergency services carried out recovery and investigative work.
References
- ^ motorway (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Friends on £1.5k all inclusive Turkey holiday ‘told to go away when they tried to check in’ (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ POLL: Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ WalesOnline reports (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ motorway (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ motorway (www.birminghammail.co.uk)