Mother and daughter killed in multi-vehicle pile-up on M4 named by police

Two women who died following a collision on the M4 on Friday during Storm Babet have been named by Wiltshire Police as mother and daughter Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, of Caerphilly, South Wales. The pair died after a lorry overturned on their car on the motorway near Chippenham shortly after 9am on Friday, October 20 between junctions 17 and 18 near Bath. Two other people involved in the collision suffered minor injuries and were treated by paramedics at the scene.

The M4 was fully closed at junction 18 eastbound and junction 17 westbound to allow emergency services to carry out recovery and investigative work. The family of the deceased have paid tribute. “Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend.

Her selflessness was a defining trait, consistently prioritising her family’s well-being over her own, and she took immense pride in her Welsh heritage while nurturing a deep love for nature,” a statement said. “Sarha Smith, in the footsteps of her mother, unselfishly devoted herself to her family’s needs ahead of her own. She was not only a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but her absence leaves a void for those who relied on her radiant presence.

Her legacy lives on through her six daughters, who will forever hold her memory close and strive to honour her with their efforts.”