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Over £ 70,000 has been raised for a man who lost his wife and three of his children in a car accident near Oxford.
More than 2,000 people have donated to a crowdfunding page created on Wednesday following the death of 29-year-old Zoe Powell and her three young children.
Mrs. Powell, along with Phoebe, eight, Simeon, six, and Amelia, four, died on monday night when his Subaru minivan collided with a heavy vehicle on the A40.
Zoe Powell and one of her daughters. Photo: Instagram
Josh Powell, who was a passenger, and his 18-month-old daughter remain in the hospital where they are in “serious” condition.
Thames Valley police said Powell, 30, and his youngest son are showing signs of “improvement” and “are expected to recover.”
The JustGiving page, created by Andrew Welsford, read: “This is such a sad and tragic loss for a colleague from work on the railway, whose family was taken from him in a tragic car accident near Oxford.”
Referring to the distinctive orange rail worker uniform, he said, “Many people in the Orange Army world will know Josh and I hope they will help provide some financial support when he needs it later in the recovery.”
Bereaved friends, neighbors and colleagues described the Powells as “charming.”
Strangers have flocked to the site also leaving sincere messages.
One person wrote: “I don’t know the family, but my thoughts are really with you.”
Another person said, “What can you say? What can you do to give yourself some comfort after such a harsh and unforgiving tragedy? Our thoughts and prayers are with Josh, his family, friends and colleagues.”
The police are asking for witnesses to the accident to contact them
The accident took place a few months after the family was forced into temporary accommodation after a fire broke out at their Chinnor home in South Oxfordshire.
A statement from the local church, where the family were regular members, said “(The Powells) have been active, involved, and well-loved members of Chinnor Community Church throughout their young lives.
“The news of the deaths of Zoe, Phoebe, Simeon, and Amelia has shocked and saddened not only the church family here, but also the entire Chinnor community in which they were known and loved.
“The family put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and we are confident that Zoe and the children are now safe in the arms of God.
“Our thoughts are with the family as we pray for the healing and recovery of Josh and (his daughter).”
The truck driver, a 56-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and has fully cooperated with the investigation, police said.
There have been no arrests and detectives are asking witnesses or those with camera footage to contact them.
