Sponsored by
Son devastated as Tigers pair killed in crash
A SOUTH Yorkshire child returned home from a school trip to the devastating news that his parents had died in a horror road smash.
Jack Boocock, aged 12, was on holiday in France when his parents Darren and Sharon were killed on Friday and had the news broken to him on his return the following day.
Darren, 40, was riding a silver Triumph Sprint motorcycle and his wife Sharon, 39, was a pillion passenger when their bike smashed head-on into a lorry on the A631 between Maltby and Tickhill.
The couple, from Belvedere Parade, Bramley, Rotherham, are both well known for their involvement with the Sheffield Tigers speedway team.
Both were key members of the backroom staff at Owlerton stadium.
Leave a tribute to Darren and Sharon in our book of condolence, click here
Darren's father Nigel is the brother of Tigers boss Eric Boocock.
Eric, former England manager, has revealed how he broke the news to Darren's parents in a phone call to Australia - their permanent base.
"It was the toughest phone call I've had to make in my life," said Eric.
"In fact it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
"I'm trying to be strong for everyone, especially the young lad who is a brave, intelligent young boy - but deep down I'm a mess.
"I had to get straight to the point. It was the middle of the night in Australia and Cynthia, Nigel's wife, answered the phone. How else do you break the news that your son and his wife have been killed?
"It was an awful moment and I'm just pleased Darren and Sharon's son have his grandparents around him - and he can come and stay with us any time he likes.
"I'm missing them already. Only yesterday I heard a car roll up outside my house and I immediately thought it was Darren because that's what he did. He and Sharon would walk straight into the house, put the kettle on, make a round of toast each and enjoy time at our house. It was lovely.
"Darren also knew his stuff when it came to the sport of speedway. He's been building engines for Tai Woffinden, everyone's tip for greatness, and he was a good pal of all the team.
"We've got our first away win of the season at Mildenhall yesterday - but it seems insignificant when you think about what's happened. It's awful and I don't ever want to make any phone calls like that - ever again.
"Nigel and Cynthia have a long flight ahead of them from Australia, but they will be here within 24-hours. There is a lot to be done and it's a hard time for us all, both ourselves and Sharon's family. I'm sure funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as they are made."
Witnesses to the accident should call 0114 2202970.
READ MORE
Your letters.
Today's features.
Latest sport.
Main news index.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
