Appeal set up for survivors after father and children killed in French crash
An appeal fund has been set up for surviving relatives after a British father and two of his children were killed on a French motorway.
John Crompton, 31, from Hartlepool, was driving partner Makayla Lund and their three children along the A39 in Beaurepaire-en-Bresse, which is between Lyon and Dijon, when their car crashed shortly after 7am on Sunday.
Their two oldest children, Morgan and Evie-Lily, were killed when they were thrown from the family's Nissan. Mr Crompton was trapped in the wreckage and suffered a fatal heart attack soon after the emergency services freed him.
His youngest child, Kyle, was thought to have been seriously injured and was flown by air ambulance to hospital in Lyon. Ms Lund's injuries were not believed to be so serious.
A GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/2tfvgskc has been started by Laura Austwicke, who urged people to pray for the family.
She wrote: "Makayla and John's family would like to thank everyone for their continuing kind words and support.
"Please keep praying for Makayla and baby Kyle's recovery.
"We are aware that there is another GoFundMe page set up in euros, however we'd like to set up another page in the UK, for those wanting to donate in GBP.
"All proceeds raised are to help Makayla and her family who were involved in a tragic car accident in France on Sunday 24th April, suffering the loss of John, Morgan and Evie-Lily."
On Sunday, Colin Harrison posted on a Facebook group called Hartlepool Billiards and Snooker of which Mr Crompton is a member.
He said: "Heartbreaking news about one of the league's top players.
"John Crompton and two of his children were tragically killed in a road accident in France earlier today.
"Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Very talented and well-liked man. RIP mate".
Jeff Dickson wrote on the club Facebook page: "Puts life into perspective when you see a lad like big John Crompton lose his life in a tragic accident like this.
"A man who held the same things in life close to his heart as I do. Family, Hartlepool United and a game of Snooker and billiards with his mates down the club on a Monday and Wednesday night.
"So so sad this, just hope his missus and bairn pull through for him.
"God bless big guy. Pot a few long uns up there."
TV pictures showed the badly mangled family car with debris strewn around the carriageway.
An investigator told the France3 TV channel the reason for the car hitting the barrier was as yet unknown, but it could have been caused by the driver falling asleep or being distracted.
