Children suffer 'unimaginable loss' as dad dies weeks after Portsmouth mum and sister were killed in crash
Children’s dad dies after mum and sister were killed in A3 crash
Two children dealing with “unimaginable loss” having lost their mother and sister in a horror crash on the A3 have now suffered further heartache after their dad suddenly died.
To add to the devastating tragedy, three weeks after the crash Ted Papworth, who was said to be “absolutely broken” from the crash, suddenly died in his sleep.
It means Michelle and Ted’s children, Mason, 20, and Bailey, 18, have lost their immediate family, with Michelle’s sister also dying from a heart attack before the crash.
It has left Mason and Bailey staying in temporary accommodation with family and facing homelessness. Their woes have been further compounded after Ted’s property in Spain has been claimed by authorities because no will was in place.
Ted and Michelle were married for 22 years and remained close despite living separately.
The father, who lived in Spain, was devastated after the car crash and his sister came to visit from Australia to keep him company.
The pair went out for dinner one night and watched TV before falling asleep when he slumped over dead on his sister. His post-mortem said his lungs had filled with fluid.
A GoFundMe page, which has so far raised over £12,000 of its £14,000 target, has been set up to help the grieving children rent a home and pay for funeral expenses.
Mason and Bailey’s aunt Olivia Knight, writing on the fundraiser, said: “We are reaching out with heavy hearts to support two young people, Bailey and Mason who are facing unimaginable loss and hardship.
“In the past month, their lives have been turned upside down. Their mum, Michelle, and their little sister, Theia (just seven years old), were tragically killed in a car crash on the A3. Just three weeks later, their father suddenly passed away in his sleep.
“In the space of weeks, Bailey and Mason have lost their entire immediate family. Not only are they coping with overwhelming grief, but they have also been left to deal with the financial burden of multiple funeral costs. To make matters even harder, their father’s home in Spain has been taken by the authorities due to there being no will in place, leaving them without a home of their own.
“They are currently staying with family, but this is only a temporary solution. Our hope is to raise enough funds to help Bailey and Mason secure a place they can call home - a safe and stable space where they can begin to process their loss and start to rebuild their lives.
“Funds raised will go towards covering funeral expenses, helping them rent a home, and also contributing to solicitor fees as they try to challenge the situation with the Spanish authorities and fight for what was their father’s home.
“We are asking, from the bottom of our hearts, for any support you can give. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards helping them through this incredibly difficult time.
“If you are unable to donate, simply sharing this page would mean the world. Thank you for taking the time to read their story, and for any kindness and support you can offer. It truly makes a difference.”
A tribute from Michelle’s family previously said: “Our family mourn the most beautiful two souls you could ever meet. Our beautiful, beloved little Theia who had so much confidence and life in her and our crazy Michelle who was vibrant and had a heart of gold.
"We truly love them and will miss them everyday. They both had so much personality and so many loved ones, our hearts are broken."
To donate go to :www.gofundme.com/f/help-bailey-mason-rebuild-after-tragic-loss