How to support former Sheffield man who lost wife and three children in horror crash

Josh Powell, aged 30, was widowed when his 29-year-old wife Zoe died in a crash in their family car in Oxford last week.

Three of their children – Phoebe, eight, Simeon, six, Amelia, four – also died in the collision with a lorry.

INVESTIGATION: Probe into horror death crash which claimed lives of former Sheffield woman and three children continues

Josh, a former university student in Sheffield, who set up home with his wife in the city before moving to Oxfordshire in 2014, survived the crash with the couple’s youngest child – 18-month-old Penny.

TRIBUTE: Widower pays tribute to Sheffield wife and children killed in crash

They were seriously inured but are expected to recover physically.

Paying tribute to his family as he tries to come to terms with his loss, Josh, who used to attend Christ Church Central in Sheffield city centre, said: “I had been blessed with four wonderful children, whose thirst for life and hunger of adventure kept me busy but in the best possible way.

“As I look to an uncertain future, I reflect on the fun that we had as a family, with feelings of sadness that it was cut so short.

“I want to thank everyone who has rushed to put their arms around us to support me and Penny.

“There are many battles to come, and I thank everyone who has stood by me and Penny thus far.

“We are well supported and know to ask if anything is needed.

“Now we have the time to readjust and grieve, this is the challenge of the abundance of loss we feel as a family.

“Thank you to those who have respected our space and supported us thus far, and given us the time and space to do this.”

The railway worker’s colleague, Andrew Welsford, has set up an online fundraising page to help Josh and Penny as they piece their shattered lives together.

So, far over £146,000 has been donated.

At the time of the crash, Zoe and Josh had been living in temporary accommodation after a blaze destroyed their home and most of their belongings over the summer.

Visit www.justgiving.com to donate

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.