Two children are facing 'unimaginable hardship' after their mother and sister were killed in a car crash, followed by their father's death from a 'broken heart' just three weeks later.
The Tragic Crash
Michelle Devine, 43, from Portsmouth, and her seven-year-old daughter Theia Papworth died in a single-car crash on February 22. Their red Ford Fiesta left the carriageway near Hindhead tunnel in Surrey. Michelle's family described her as having a 'heart of gold' and said her 'greatest achievement was her children'. The tragedy occurred just four months after Michelle's sister Sophie passed away from a heart attack.
Father's Death
Weeks after the crash, Ted Papworth, who was 'absolutely broken' by the accident, died in his sleep. An autopsy revealed that his lungs had filled with fluid. The family believes he died of a broken heart.
Surviving Children Face Homelessness
Their children, Mason, 20, and Bailey, 18, are now facing homelessness. Their father's property in Spain has been seized by authorities because no will was in place. The brothers are currently staying with family in temporary accommodation. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help them rent a home and cover funeral expenses.
Family's Grief
Their grieving aunt, Olivia Knight, told the Daily Mail: 'They are not in a good place. Their grandparents are miserable because they've just lost two of their daughters. The family is devastated with so many losses. Michelle herself was struggling before her death because her sister had died.'
Olivia added: 'They are too young to be dealing with it. Michelle had a great sense of humour, a heart of gold and would give you her last penny. She loved all her siblings and parents so much. Even the message she sent me 40 minutes before she died said 'I love you'.'
A Special Bond
'She had just moved back to Portsmouth to support us all after the loss of her sister Sophie who had a heart attack four months earlier. Her kids were her greatest achievement but Theia and her had such a special relationship. After having such a big gap between Theia and the older two, Michelle and Theia were best friends.'
Ted and Michelle were married for 22 years and remained very close despite living separately. Ted, who lived in Spain, was 'absolutely broken' after the crash. His sister came from Australia to keep him company. They went out for dinner, watched TV, and fell asleep. He slumped over on his sister and was found dead.
A Devoted Father
'Ted was the best most devoted dad I have ever known,' Olivia said. 'Michelle and Ted were best friends and spoke every day. Ted would play Roblox for hours every day with Theia. He would log on in Spain and play with her in the UK. He was absolutely broken when I gave him the news of the crash and although he died because his lungs filled with fluid in his sleep we all agree it was a broken heart.'
The surviving children are now burdened with funeral costs and have no home. Their father's house in Spain was taken. 'They were going to start working but it's so hard,' their aunt said. 'There is nowhere for them to come to here. Everyone is so depressed with all the losses.'
