Man Charged in Fatal Fiery Crash That Killed Six
Christopher Cockell faces six counts of causing death by dangerous driving following a collision that claimed the lives of a family and a couple.
A man has been charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving in connection with a fiery crash that killed six people, including two children and their parents.
Christopher Cockell, 50, is scheduled to appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court on October 28. The charges stem from a collision on July 21, 2024, involving a car and a motorcycle.
Shannen Morgan, Shane Roller, and their daughters Rubie, nine, and Lillie, four, were killed when their Ford Focus collided head-on with a BMW motorcycle. The motorcyclists, Christopher and Janine Barton, also died in the incident.
The crash occurred on the A61 between Staincross and Newmillerdam around 3:50 p.m. An inquest previously heard details of the collision.
Rubie and Lillie attended Athersley North Primary School, where teachers remembered them as "a delight to teach." The statement from the school also noted the loss of their parents, who were described as "incredibly supportive."
West Yorkshire Police called the collision an "absolutely tragic incident" and appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage. Images from the scene showed a burnt-out car and debris scattered on the road.
A GoFundMe campaign was established to support the surviving daughter, who was 11 at the time of the crash. The fund aims to provide for her education, emotional support, and future care. It has since raised over £400,000. The page describes the surviving daughter as "bright and resilient" with an "infectious smile and a kind heart," and notes her enjoyment of football, outdoor play, and being a "huge Taylor Swift fan."
Shane Roller's brother, Callum, expressed his grief on social media, stating he was "lost for words" and "absolutely heartbroken" by the loss of his brother, Ms. Morgan, and their children, emphasizing the devastation to both families.