Three children orphaned after parents killed when car hit a tree days before Christmas

Tragedy has torn a young family apart just days before Christmas[1] after three children were orphaned when their parents were killed in a car crash. Parents John Stanton, 40, and Trish O’Brien, 38, both farmers from Forest Hill, were on their way home when they smashed the vehicle into a tree in Ladysmith, near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. The mum and dad died at the crash site, leaving behind their three kids Teya, 17, Jack, 14, and Caleb, nine, who are now being cared for their relatives.

In addition to his farm work, Mr Stanton volunteered for the local Rural Fire[2] Service. Their family friend has now set up a GoFundMe[3] to support the orphaned children, raising more than £26,000 AUD (GBP14,000) in the short time it’s been live. On the page, Mel Cummin said: “John and Trish were always together, partners in crime we could say.

They were a massive part of the community and involved in many local fundraisers, and a part of the RFS community for many many years.”

Josie Gibson looks festive in GBP45 River Island blouse perfect for New Years Eve on This Morning[4]Parents Trish and JohnA fundraiser is currently set up to support the children through Christmas and to help them to grieve

Because they had been so busy with harvesting their crops, they had not yet gone out for their big Christmas shop, so there aren’t any gifts left for the children. Mel said all money raised on the GoFundMe will go towards providing the kids with some kind of Christmas, and to provide further support to allow them to grieve properly over the unthinkable loss. “Both sides of the family are just trying to process the situation and what’s happening and where we go from here”‘ Mel told Seven News[5]. “We’re very community-spirited.

John was a very big part of the RFS at Ladysmith which Trish was his backbone with, supported him with.”

The family was well-loved in the communityThe family was well-loved in the community

Loved ones took to the platform to pay tribute to the couple. One wrote: “She (Ms O’Brien) was a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for the fun memories.

You always helped people in need. We miss you.” ‘My heart is filled with grief and sadness knowing the children have lost a wonderful mother and a dedicated father,’ said another.

A coroner’s report is currently being compiled as police continue to investigate the circumstnaces.

References

  1. ^ Christmas (www.mirror.co.uk)
  2. ^ Fire (www.mirror.co.uk)
  3. ^ GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com)
  4. ^ Josie Gibson looks festive in GBP45 River Island blouse perfect for New Years Eve on This Morning (www.mirror.co.uk)
  5. ^ Seven News (7news.com.au)