Ruthin man's tributes for elderly parents killed in A494 crash

Dec 10 2008 By Andy Davies

Crash

THE son of an elderly couple killed in a horrific crash on the A494 at New Brighton last Friday has paid tribute to his parents.

Chris Townsend said Eric Townsend, 85, and wife Marie, 83, a retired nurse, from Ruthin, were "greatly respected".

Mr Townsend was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mrs Townsend died later at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Two other people were seriously hurt in the Mold by-pass collision and a teenager is being questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Chris Townsend, who recently returned from the Isle of Man to help care for his parents, said they had loved travelling and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in New Zealand and their 57th anniversary in Australia.

"They led a very full and active life until recently," he said.

His father, originally from Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, was a Metropolitan Police officer for 25 years, while his mother, from Liverpool, was a state- registered nurse, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s.

The couple retired to Ruthin in 1971, and had many friends and good neighbours there, said Mr Townsend.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information to the incident.

Police received a call at 1.30pm reporting the collision as a result of which an elderly couple travelling in a Ford Focus died.

Firefighters from Buckley, Deeside and Mold and an emergency tender from Colwyn Bay were sent to the scene.

A spokeswoman from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were at the scene at 1.39pm.

"Firefighters cut four people from their vehicles and made the vehicles safe."

A Welsh Ambulance Trust spokesman said a first response vehicle and three emergency ambulances were sent to the scene.

Paramedics were assisted by the North Wales Air Ambulance and the North Wales Police helicopter.

Any witnesses or anyone who has information is asked to contact the Eastern Roads Policing Unit on 0845 6071001 (Welsh language line) or 0845 6071002 (English language line).