Tributes have been paid to a much-loved nan who was killed in a car crash while on her way to identify the body of her son.
Double tragedy in one night
Dad-of-three Andrew Tinsley, 46, died in what was described as 'a tragic accident' in the River Dee in Llangollen, North Wales, on July 10. His mum Carol Tinsley, 70, his ex-partner and children aged 21, 20 and 17 travelled from West Derby to identify his body at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. But as they passed through Chester, just 30 minutes from their destination, the car the family was travelling in was involved in a major crash - killing the nan-of-six at the scene.
Carol's granddaughter and Andrew's niece Lisa, 42, was on the phone to one of her cousins at the time of the horror collision, which took place at 11.30pm on Parkgate Road at the junction with Welsh Road. She said: 'I don't know what happened. All I know is she got in the car and set off, and the next thing we hear is there's been a tragic car accident.'
Phone call captured the crash
'I was on the phone to one of the kids, who was sitting in the back seat as the crash happened. It was just a scream and a rumble and crashing. We didn't know whether the phone had broken up - obviously it fell into place afterwards.' The phone cut off and we were trying to ring and ring and ring and ring. Eventually we got through to my cousin and she was in the ambulance, and the paramedic took the phone off her and told me what had happened.'
'It was unreal. It was like living in a movie. It was so shocking. I don't think our lives are ever going to be the same again. Within six hours, our family has been ripped apart.'
Details of Andrew's death
North Wales Police said it was called to a bridge on Castle Street, Llangollen, at 8.16pm on Friday, July 10, following a report from witnesses. Following searches in the River Dee, a 46-year-old man, later identified as Andrew, was found and taken to hospital in Wrexham, where he died. Lisa said her uncle, who was 'more like a brother' to her because of their close ages, was a regular visitor to Llangollen, and enjoyed swimming in the river. She said: 'We don't really know what's happened yet. We're still waiting for that information. But as far as we know, he had cold water shock to the heart. They tried to start his heart again, but unfortunately he didn't make it.'
Carol's fatal journey
After Andrew's sudden death, his mum Carol was called to identify his body, and she set off with his ex-partner, son and two daughters. At 11.33pm on the same day, Cheshire Police was called to reports of a serious crash between a grey Cupra Born and a black Kia Sportage on Parkgate Road at the junction with Welsh Road, Chester. Carol, a passenger in the Kia, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Kia, along with a further two passengers, suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital. A fourth passenger suffered minor injuries. The driver of the Cupra was uninjured. No arrests have been made and enquiries remain ongoing.
Lisa said: 'We are just absolutely devastated and trying to process it all. We're just now coming to the realisation, coming to the funeral arrangements and trying to get things sorted.' Carol was very outgoing, very social. She was very much a people person. She loved the Royal Family, loved sitcoms, and she was so witty. She's irreplaceable. Andrew was another strong character. He was very athletic, very sporty, very outgoing, and he was an amazing person.'
Social media tributes
Tributes have since poured in on social media. Responding to the ECHO's Facebook page, Karen MX said: 'How tragic, a mum and son in the same day. My heartfelt condolences go out to the kids and family of the mum and son.' Janet White said: 'So sorry for your loss, may they both rest in peace and always be together.' Nikita Davies added: 'Oh this is horrifically sad…so sorry for both their losses.' Malo Claire said: 'This is so sad. Bless the family.' Angie Mulhearn wrote: 'Oh, how very sad. God bless all their family at this very sad time.'
