News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

UK News

Parents of Christian blogger killed in car crash give heartfelt tribute

by Press Association
 - Banner image

The parents of a woman killed alongside three of her children in a road crash said their deaths have "left a huge hole in our life".

The couple, who asked not to be named, said that their daughter Zoe, 29, and grandchildren Phoebe, eight, Simeon, six, and Amelia, four, "were all so full of life and fun".

The four were killed when the Subaru people carrier they were travelling in collided with a heavy goods vehicle on the A40 near Oxford on Monday 12th October.

Mrs Powell's husband, Josh, and their 18-month-old daughter Penelope, known as Penny, who were also passengers in the Subaru, survived the crash.

Photo Credit: Thames Valley Police/ PA Media

In a joint statement, the maternal grandparents said: "We will deeply miss seeing them grow and develop.

"We are praying for the full recovery of Josh and little Penelope.

"While we are deeply grieving for her life on earth cut short, we do have hope."

In tribute to their daughter, the couple said: "Zoe Rose Powell was a much-loved member of our family, daughter, sister and more.

"She did so much in her short life, became a Christian and married Josh at 18.

"While earning a 2:1 at Sheffield University she also had Phoebe and Simeon.

"After graduation, Zoe and Josh made a home in Chinnor, where Zoe then had Amelia and Penelope."

They added: "The loss of Zoe, Phoebe, Simeon and Amelia has left a huge hole in our life."

On Tuesday, Mr Powell released a tribute to his family in which he described how he will "reflect on the fun that we had as a family, with feelings of sadness that it was cut so short".

He said: "I had been blessed with four wonderful children, whose thirst for life and hunger for adventure kept me busy but in the best possible way."

He said there were "many battles to come" but said he wanted to "thank everyone who has stood by me" and Penny.

Photo Credit: Thames Valley Police/ PA Media

The HGV driver, a 56-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and has co-operated fully with the investigation, officers said.

The tragedy came months after the Powell family "lost everything" when they were forced into temporary accommodation following a fire at their home in Chinnor, South Oxfordshire.

Friends, neighbours and members of the churches where members of the family were regular visitors described the Powells as "delightful" people.

A crowdfunding page set up by a railway worker colleague of Mr Powell's has now raised £150,000.

It is available here.

Anyone with dashcam footage or information about the crash is asked to contact police.
 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate