An 11-year-old British girl lost her entire family in a fiery head-on car crash that killed her two little sisters after she made a last-minute decision to stay behind at a friend's house.
Poppie Morgan-Roller will now be raised by her aunt, following the tragic deaths of her parents, 33-year-old Shane Roller and 30-year-old Shannen Morgan, and her sisters, 9-year-old Rubie Morgan-Roller and 4-year-old Lillie Morgan-Roller Sunday afternoon, loved ones said.
Shane, Shannen, Rubie and Lillie were driving down a highway near Barnsley, England, and planned on going for a walk, when their vehicle slammed head-on into a motorcycle carrying a man and a woman, who also died, according to police.
Poppie was playing at her best friend's house when her family was killed.
"Her mum actually contacted us and asked if we could watch Poppie because she didn't want to go on the walk that they went on," family friend Paul Hepple explained, according to the Daily Mail.
"So we were watching Poppie as she's best mates with our daughter. She was with our daughter having fun. And on their way home, that's when the accident happened," he said. "We were having Sunday dinner as a family, and Poppie's auntie was with us and obviously, Poppie was as well. And then she got a phone call and she ended up leaving really quickly to go and see what happened."
Hepple launched a GoFundMe for Poppie earlier this week, which has since raised nearly half a million dollars.
"This global reach of compassion and kindness is truly heartwarming, and we cannot thank you enough," he wrote in the fundraiser description.
"Poppie is being incredibly brave, showing strength beyond her years. She's surrounded by love and support, and we're all doing our best to keep her spirits high with fun activities and distractions. Whether it's playing games, watching her favorite shows, or simply spending time with her family and friends, we are all committed to helping Poppie find moments of joy."
Hepple announced while Poppie has been staying with him and his family, her aunt, who he described as "amazing, loving, and capable," will become her legal guardian.
"She will be entirely responsible for managing the donations, ensuring that all funds are used for Poppie's well-being, including her living expenses, education, and any counseling she may need. Additionally, some of the funds may be used for the funeral expenses for Poppie's family if they choose to."
Meanwhile, authorities arrested a male driver of a gray Porsche 911 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was released on bail Thursday.
