Pictured: Vicar and his wife who were killed along with driver in his 80s when out-of-control Audi swerved to avoid horse-drawn carriage in Anglesey
The couple killed when an out-of-control Audi ploughed into them in Anglesey are a recently retired vicar and his wife who were visiting the seaside resort.
The Reverend Stephen and Katherine Burch, both 65, were tragically killed when the vehicle careered across a road in Beaumaris on Wednesday, also killing the 81-year-old driver.
The couple, who lived in Alcester, Warwickshire, were walking on the packed coastal Welsh town on the Isle of Anglesey at 2.45pm when they were hit by an Audi A5.
Shocked locals said the couple were mown down by the car which appeared ‘completely out the blue’ before it crashed into a house close to the pier.
Now the Diocese of Coventry has paid tribute to the pair, with newly retired Mr Burch being referred to as a ‘popular member’ known for his ‘good humour and unwavering faith’.
The Reverend Stephen and Katherine Burch were both 65-years-old and lived in Alcester, Warwickshire
Emergency services at the scene on Alma Street in Beaumaris on Anglesey, where three people died in a horror crash on Thursday
The car was said to have struck the pedestrians as it swerved to avoid a horse-drawn carriage
An air ambulance was seen taking off after the horror crash on the seafront in North Wales
The family have also released a statement which read: ‘We kindly ask that you respect our privacy as we grieve. Thank you for your understanding and prayers.’
In a statement the Diocese of Coventry said: ‘This comes as a shock for the diocese as many will know Steve, who only retired at the end of last year after serving with us in many roles for over 35 years, most recently as Vicar of St James, Fletchamstead, for 19 years.
‘Steve was a popular member of our diocese and well known for his good humour and unwavering faith and many will also know Kathy well from her work with CPAS and worship ministry.
‘As a couple they were still very active in retirement this year, running an alpha course leading to baptism and confirmations.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Kathy’s family at this time especially their children, David, Jonathan and Sarah as they come to terms with this devastating, unexpected loss.’
Great Alne Cricket Club also released a statement which read: ‘It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our Club chairman Steve Burch and his wife Kathy following a road traffic accident.
‘Our thoughts are with our club mate Jon and his wider family at this difficult time.’
Steve Burch pictured at a Great Alne Cricket Club match, where he was the club chairman
Mr Burch (pictured) along with his wife has been described as very active in retirement as they ran an alpha course leading to baptism and confirmations
Police at the scene in the Beaumaris Pier area on Wednesday following the fatal crash
Officers cordoned off the area while they conducted investigations on Wednesday
The horror crash happened on the seafront at Beaumaris on Anglesey
Great Alne Cricket Club released a statement on social media paying tribute to chairman Mr Burch
The investigation to establish the cause of Wednesday’s triple tragedy in Alma Street is ongoing.
Shortly after 2:45pm on Wednesday police responded to reports of a road traffic collision involving a grey Audi A8 and two pedestrians.
Members of the public and the emergency services responded, however, despite the best efforts of all involved, Mr and Mrs Burch and the 81-year-old male driver of the Audi, were sadly, pronounced dead at the scene.
One local said after the crash: ‘The car swerved to go around a horse and carriage, mounted the pavement and hit pedestrians who were walking past a house – they didn’t stand a chance.
‘There are people standing around in shock, they can’t believe what has happened.’
Another witness said she watched ‘people trying very, very hard to do CPR’.
‘It was just awful, the ambulance took ages to get here and when the police and the vehicles eventually came… there was nothing they could do once they got here.
‘(The vehicle) was so mangled. It’s so mangled it’s not true.
‘Everybody really rallied around, diverting the traffic and trying their best to give the people dignity, but it was pretty horrific.’
Police and paramedics rushed to Beaumaris seafront on Anglesey shortly after 2.45pm on Wednesday
She added: ‘The town is absolutely full of tourists and people walk down that street. It’s just a beautiful, beautiful place.’
Witness Keith Shed also posted on social media: ‘It happened right in front of us on the road beside the pier.
‘It’s an utter tragedy for those directly affected by the crash.
‘No warning, it happened completely out of the blue.’
Beaumaris on the Menai Strait is popular with families visiting Anglesey with many of them drawn to Edward I’s unfinished 14th century castle.
The town has been particularly busy over the past six weeks with school holiday crowds.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, said in a statement on social media: ‘On behalf of everyone here in Anglesey, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and relatives of the Parish Stephen and Katherine Burch during this difficult time.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, said in a statement on social media: ‘On behalf of everyone here in Anglesey, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and relatives of the Parish Stephen and Katherine Burch during this difficult time’
‘The thoughts of everyone here on Ynys Môn are with the family and loved ones of the Reverand Stephen and Katherine Burch at this difficult time.’
Senior Investigation Officer, Sergeant Emlyn Hughes of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: ‘Our profound sympathies remain with the family and friends of all those who were involved at this extremely difficult time.
‘I’d like to thank all those who have contacted us so far. Our team of officers and investigators are trying to piece together what happened and we are grateful for the support we have received by witnesses and those who have provided us with CCTV and dash cam footage.
‘My thanks also go to the wider community of Beaumaris who have offered their support during this difficult time. The impact of this collision has been felt far and wide across the isle of Anglesey and we’d like to reassure all that we are doing everything we can to establish the cause surrounding this incident.’
Anybody with information that could assist with the ongoing investigation should contact officers at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 24000745374.
Following the incident local MP Llinos Medi (pictured) posted online: ‘Devastating news from Beaumaris. I am thinking of everyone who has been affected today’
Virginia Crosbie (pictured), former Conservative MP for Ynys Mon, added in a statement on Facebook: ‘My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and loved ones’
Following the incident local MP Llinos Medi posted online: ‘Devastating news from Beaumaris. I am thinking of everyone who has been affected today.
‘The news has shaken our community here on the island. A heartfelt thank you to all the emergency services and volunteers who are responding to the emergency.’
Virginia Crosbie, former Conservative MP for Ynys Mon, added in a statement on Facebook: ‘My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and loved ones.’
The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, and the Bishop of Bardsey, David Morris, issued a joint statement offering ‘our sympathy and prayers to all who have been involved in today’s car accident’.
They said: ‘This is devastating news for the community and for the friends and family of the three people who have sadly died.’
References
- ^ Cameron Roy (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ James Tozer (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Olivia Christie (www.dailymail.co.uk)