“‘Her Mum Actually Contacted Us’ Family Devastated as Motorbike Collision Claims Six Lives”
A family was tragically torn apart on July 21 when a motorbike overtaking on a single carriageway collided head-on with their car, an inquest has revealed.
Shane Roller, 33, Shannen Morgan, 30, and their daughters Rubie Morgan-Roller, nine, and Lillie Morgan-Roller, four, all perished in the collision. The accident also claimed the lives of motorcycle riders Christopher Barton, 56, and his wife Janine Barton, 48. The crash occurred on the A61 near the Wakefield and Barnsley area, told Daily Mail.
During an opening session of the inquest, Wakefield Coroner’s Court learned that Christopher Barton’s BMW motorbike was overtaking another vehicle when it struck the family’s car head-on. All six individuals involved in the crash were pronounced dead at the scene. The court was informed that the investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the inquest adjourned until a later date following the completion of the police probe.
In the wake of the tragedy, the driver of an unrelated car was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, though West Yorkshire Police reported that he remains on bail.
In the aftermath of the devastating event, family friend Paul Hepple organized a fundraiser for Poppie Roller, the 11-year-old daughter of Shane and Shannen, who survived the collision because she had opted out of the family walk. He explained, “Her mum actually contacted us and asked if we could watch Poppie because she didn’t want to go on the walk that they went on.”
Hepple recounted that Poppie was at his home with his daughter when the accident occurred. “We were having Sunday dinner as a family, and Poppie’s auntie was with us and obviously, Poppie was as well, and then she got a phone call. She ended up leaving really quickly to go and see what happened.” He described the shock and gradual revelation of the incident as the family first learned of the tragedy through social media.
The fundraiser established for Poppie has raised over £400,000, which will support her future needs. On July 31, Hepple shared an uplifting update: Poppie had a video call with “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown. He wrote, “Poppie is doing well, and we have some exciting news to share: Yesterday, Poppie and her best friend had a video call with Millie Bobby Brown! Millie was absolutely amazing and super supportive.”
Hepple noted that while the girls were initially shy, they were thrilled afterward, and the experience provided a much-needed glimmer of joy during a profoundly difficult time.