Over £4,000 has been been quickly raised to support the family of Kerry Coombes who died in an incident in Hoghton this week.
Emergency services were called to a level-crossing on Station Road following reports at 8.50am on Thursday (25 June) that a train had struck a car.
Two people were in the car and Kerry Coombes, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene. An eight-year-old girl – Kerry’s’ daughter – remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition. British Transport Police confirmed it has launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
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Her family, her employer Lancashire County Council and Lostock Hall Juniors Football Club where she was a coach and a committee member are among those who have paid tribute to Kerry.
A fundraiser started by Darryl Cartwright, club chairman of Lostock Hall Juniors Football Club, to help support her family has now raised over £4,000. You can donate here.
Lindsay Hoyle, the MP for Chorley, visited Station Road on Saturday (27 June) to lay flowers in memory of Kerry. The site of the incident falls into his constituency.
He wrote: “Yesterday morning I visited Hoghton to lay flowers and pay my respects at the scene of last week’s tragic accident
“The tributes left there are a moving reflection of the compassion and kindness shown by our community in the face of such a tragedy.
“My thoughts remain with the family and friends of those involved and I hope they can take some comfort from knowing they are in the thoughts and prayers of us all.”
British Transport Police has launched a criminal investigation in the aftermath of the incident – although the nature of that investigation is not clear. They continue to ask that people refrain from speculating.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell, British Transport Police’s senior investigating officer, said: “This was a shocking and tragic incident, and our specialist officers will continue to support Kerry’s family and friends throughout this ordeal.
“Following our initial enquiries a criminal investigation into the incident has now been launched, and I would ask the public not to speculate, as further updates will be provided in due course.
“We continue to urge witnesses or anyone with information who is yet to speak to officers to get in touch by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 152 of 25 June.”
“Information can also be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
