France car crash: Family of victims say their lives have been 'torn apart'
Friends of the family have been raising funds to support the surviving members
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The relatives of a man and his children who were killed in a car accident in France have said their lives have been “torn apart”.
John Crompton, 31, his son Morgan Lund, nine, and daughter Evie-Lily Crompton, four, from Hartlepool, were killed in a crash near Beaurepaire-en-Bresse, shortly after 7am on Sunday.
Two surviving family members – Makayla Lund, 25, mother of the dead children, and her son Kyle, two – remain in a critical condition in hospital.
Their family released a statement expressing their grief.
“A devastating tragedy has left our family heartbroken forever,” it said.
“Our lives have been torn apart and will never be the same again. We have lost the heart of our family."
Police are investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred in good weather and apparently good road conditions.
It has been speculated by investigators that Mr Crompton may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
A crowd-funding page, set up to assist Ms Lund and Kyle following the death of the rest of their immediate family, has received more than £6,000 in donations.
The page urged visitors to “keep praying for Makayla and baby Kyle's recovery".
On a Facebook page for Mr Crompton’s snooker club, members mourned the loss of their friend.
"Heartbreaking news about one of the league's top players,” wrote Colin Harrison. “John Crompton and two of his children were tragically killed in a road accident in France.
"Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Very talented and well liked man. RIP mate."
Jeff Dickson wrote: "Puts life into perspective when you see a lad like big John Crompton lose his life in a tragic accident like this.
"A man who held the same things in life close to his heart as I do. Family, Hartlepool United and a game of snooker and billiards with his mates down the club on a Monday and Wednesday night.
"So, so sad this, just hope his missus and bairn pull through for him. God bless big guy. Pot a few long uns up there"
Friends of the family have also been organising raffles and tombolas to raise money for Ms Lund and Kyle.
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