Carol Tinsley, 70, was killed in a car crash on July 10 while traveling to identify her son Andrew Tinsley's body, according to a family statement. Andrew, 46, a father of three, died earlier that evening in a tragic accident in the River Dee in Llangollen, North Wales. The family described being “ripped apart within six hours.”
Details of the Crash
Carol was traveling from West Derby with Andrew's former partner and his three children, aged 21, 20, and 17, to Wrexham Maelor Hospital. At around 11:30 pm, the car, a black Kia Sportage, was involved in a serious collision on Parkgate Road at the junction with Welsh Road in Chester, about 30 minutes from the hospital. Carol, a passenger, died at the scene. The driver and two other passengers suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized, while a fourth passenger had minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, a grey Cupra Born, was unhurt. No arrests have been made, and investigations continue.
Family's Heartbreak
Carol's granddaughter Lisa, 42, was on the phone with one of the children at the time of the crash. She recalled: “I was on the phone to one of the kids, who was sitting in the back seat as the crash happened. It was just a scream and a rumble and crashing. We didn't know whether the phone had broken up. Eventually we got through to my cousin and she was in the ambulance, and the paramedic took the phone off her and told me what had happened. It was unreal. It was like living in a movie. Within six hours, our family has been ripped apart.”
Andrew's Death
North Wales Police were called to a bridge on Castle Street, Llangollen, at 8:16 pm on July 10 following reports from witnesses. After searches in the River Dee, Andrew was recovered and taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital, where he died. Lisa said Andrew was “more like a brother” to her due to their similar ages, and he frequently visited Llangollen to swim in the river. She added: “We don't really know what's happened yet. But as far as we know, he had cold water shock to the heart. They tried to start his heart again, but unfortunately he didn't make it.”
Fundraiser for Double Funeral
Lisa's daughter Derrie launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £8,000 for a double funeral for Carol and Andrew. Derrie said: “This has broken our family as my three cousins lived with our nan from very young, she was their guardian and now they lost our nan and their dad in the same day, so they have been left with nothing.” Lisa added: “She wants to take the stress away from the children because a double funeral is going to cost a lot of money. It would mean that we would be able to grieve as a family without worrying and stressing. Being able to send them off with dignity and respect.”
Lisa described Carol as “very outgoing, very social, a people person” who loved the Royal Family and sitcoms, and was “irreplaceable.” Andrew was “very athletic, very sporty, very outgoing, and an amazing person.” The family remains devastated but is focusing on supporting each other.
