Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a beloved man and woman killed in a head-on crash near Wigan. The devastating crash happened on Hall Lane in Wrightington, near Wrightington hospital, at around 8am on Thursday, July 9. Lancashire Police said a Volkswagen Golf collided head-on with a HGV. Sadly, both the driver and passenger in the VW Golf died. The 'shocked' HGV driver was left unhurt and is being treated as a witness in police enquiries.
Family tributes to Anita Ashcroft
The family of the passenger in the Golf, 61-year-old mum Anita Ashcroft, previously paid a moving tribute saying they will 'miss her terribly'. “It was such a shock to lose Anita,” they said. “We miss her terribly but know that she is now resting peacefully. Anita was a daughter and a mum who we dearly loved.” Thomas, Anita’s son, said: “Love you to the moon and stars around the world and back again.” Rebecca, Anita’s daughter, said: “Night night, God bless, love you.” And Elsie, Anita’s mum, said: “Goodnight and God bless from your mum and Susan.”
Family tributes to Derrick Stevens
Derrick Stevens' family have now also paid a heartfelt tribute to him. The 78-year-old was the driver who lost his life in the crash. The tribute said: "It is truly devastating what has happened, with him being taken away from us in such a shocking and abrupt manner. Words cannot express how we are feeling as we come to terms with his death. He was a loving and caring man to those who knew him, one of the most generous people you could meet, and the sort of person—by his own admission—who would happily talk to anyone about anything. He loved the outdoors. He would often meet up with his friends for a walk, usually involving a cuppa en-route or a pub meal at the end. He was an avid “twitcher,” birdwatching down at Martin Mere or enthusing about something slightly exotic at the bird feeder in his back garden. He enjoyed hiking, and his beloved Lake District was a favourite place to holiday and explore. He had recently returned from a break there and was full of detailed stories about the walking routes he’d taken, the great food he’d had, and the kindness of the people he’d stayed with. He had a uniquely wicked sense of humour; he was always ready with a joke and loved to make you laugh. He will be so deeply missed by his remaining family: Kristofer, Linda, Nicola, and Jacqueline, and of course his many friends. Our thoughts are also with the family of Anita as they come to terms with her loss."
Police investigation ongoing
Previously, Lancashire Police said the VW 'appeared to have failed to negotiate a bend' on Hall Lane and 'collided head-on' with the HGV. Enquiries into the circumstances that led to the collision are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 101 or email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.
