A mother has become the third person to die after a tipper truck crashed into a pony and trap, killing her husband and three-year-old daughter.
Rita Connors’ husband Francie Connors and their child Ka were killed in the fatal collision on the A228 in East Peckham, near Tonbridge in Kent, on the evening of April 1.
The mother-of-four was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, but Kent Police yesterday confirmed she had tragically died.
A white DAF tipper truck was driving southbound when it struck the pony and trap, which was travelling in the same direction.
Mr Connors and the pony died at the scene, while Ka died in hospital shortly afterwards.
The driver, a 29-year-old man from Kent, was arrested in connection with the crash but has since been released on bail.
Following the tragedy, Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star and Celebrity Big Brother winner Paddy Doherty – who is related to the family – led tributes.
In a series of emotional Facebook videos, a devastated Doherty described the fatal collision as a ‘travesty,’ revealing the profound heartbreak of losing his relatives in a ‘split blink’.
Doherty detailed the moment a ‘juggernaut’ struck the family’s cart, claiming the lives of Mr Connors, his daughter Ka, and their horse. He paid a moving tribute to three-year-old Ka, describing her as a ‘little princess’.
Rita Connors pictured with Ka. Mrs Connors has become the third victim after a tipper truck crashed into a pony and trap killing her husband and daughter
Mrs Connors with her husband Francie Connors, who died at the scene of the fatal collision on the A228 in East Peckham, near Tonbridge in Kent, on the evening of April 1
On social media, people shared their thoughts and prayers for Mrs Connors following the news of her death.
One woman wrote: ‘Never heard of anything like this. RIP Rita Francie Connors. God mind and look over your three boys.’
Another added: ‘God love their poor little boys. RIP Francie and his wife Rita and their little girl. Never seen anything like this.’
On Facebook, one user said: ‘So sad can’t believe it rest in peace Beautiful Angel god give them the strength.’
Floral tributes have been laid at the scene of the crash last Wednesday.
In a previous statement, Kent Police said officers asked witnesses to come forward with any dashcam footage of the crash, adding investigations were ongoing.
The Daily Mail has approached the force for comment.
