
Girl, 8, orphaned after mum, dad and brother die in horror motorway crash
Tributes were paid to 14-year-old Sebastian and his parents Swala Harding and Andy Moore after they were killed in a crash following a family holiday to Cornwall
A mum, dad and son tragically died in a horror motorway crash as they returned home from holiday, leaving an 8-year-old girl an orphan.
Swala Harding and Andy Moore were killed alongside their son Sebastian, 14, in the single-vehicle collision on Monday, May 30, as they travelled along the M5 between Junction 14 and Michaelwood Services. They had been returning from a family holiday to Cornwall with their daughter who was said to have "miraculously" survived the smash with serious, but not life threatening, injuries.
A GoFundMe page, which can be seen here, was set up following the tragic smash with £16,281 being raised out of a £20,000 target as of this morning. The page, set up by Richard Hardy, said: "Andy & Swala's daughter is doing well in her recovery but it will undoubtedly be a long and hard road back to full health, both physically and mentally.
"To help their lovely little girl adapt to her new future and help contribute towards the cost of her parents and brother's funeral, we're asking if people would help us raise some money to make her life that little bit easier.
"To help their lovely little girl adapt to her new future and help contribute towards the cost of her parents and brother's funeral, we're asking if people would help us raise some money to make her life that little bit easier."
Tributes have been paid to young rugby player Sebastian and his parents. The Chesterfield Panthers, who Sebastian previously played for, said in a statement: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the tragic passing of three much-loved members of our Panthers family — Seb Moore, his father Andy Moore, and Seb's mum Swala Harling.
"Seb joined Chesterfield Panthers RUFC at the start of this season, becoming part of our Under 15s squad. While he had spent much of his rugby journey with Tupton Rugby Union Football Club, Seb and Andy became part of our club like they had always been with us — respected by teammates, coaches and parents alike."
They added Sebastian was a "kind, calm and friendly young man, always willing to listen, always with a smile, and always giving his best for the team."
The statement continued: "Swala's passing is equally heartbreaking. Though not as closely involved at the club, it is clear how much love and warmth she brought to her family, and how deeply missed she will be by those who knew her.
"Our thoughts and love go out to their family and friends during this incredibly painful time — especially to Seb's younger sister, just eight years old, who survived the accident and is now beginning her journey toward recovery. She has already shown remarkable strength and resilience, and we will continue to hold her in our hearts in the days, weeks and months ahead."
A Facebook post from Sebastian's former team Tupton Rugby Club, added: "We at Tupton Rugby Club were devastated to hear about the tragic accident that resulted in the loss of two of our dear parents, Andy and Swala, and their son Seb, who was a player within our minis and junior sections of the club.
"They have left behind a beloved 8-year-old daughter, and we are asking for your support by donating to the GoFundMe page that will help support this little girl on her road to recovery."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Reuters
4 hours ago
- Reuters
Panthers F Sam Bennett signs 8-year, $64M extension
June 28 - Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett signed an eight-year, $64 million extension with the Florida Panthers on Friday night. Bennett, who turned 29 earlier this month, is now under contract through the 2032-33 season. The forward's new salary cap hit of $8 million per season is up sharply from $4.425 million on his previous deal. Bennett recorded a career-high 51 points (25 goals, career-high 26 assists) in 76 games in the 2024-25 regular season and 22 points (15 goals, seven assists) in 23 playoff games for the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. "Sam is a special player who has mastered a unique blend of skill and physicality in his game, becoming one of the most impactful postseason performers of his generation," Florida general manager Bill Zito said in a release. "He played an integral role in our two Stanley Cup championships, earning the franchise's first Conn Smythe Trophy and is a dedicated contributor to our South Florida community off the ice. We are thrilled that he will continue his career with the Panthers." Bennett has registered 336 points (162 goals, 174 assists) in 691 career games with Calgary (2014-21) and Florida since the Flames drafted him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2014. In the postseason, Bennett has contributed 78 points (40 goals, 38 assists) in 107 games. He led all players in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs in goals (15), even-strength goals (11) and penalty minutes (48) en route to receiving the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. --Field Level Media

South Wales Argus
a day ago
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool footballer ‘liked by everyone' celebrated in memorial match
19-year-old Tristan O'Keefe sadly passed away on Wednesday, June 11. An integral part of the Pontypool side, he played over 100 games for the club and was a huge part in their undefeated league campaign that led them to promotion to the Gwent Premier League. Now the club is holding a memorial match to celebrate his life and help raise funds for Tristan's funeral. Tristan O'Keefe who sadly passed away Wednesday June 11 (Image: Harry Furness) Harry Furness was Tristan's Coach at Pontnewynydd AFC. Speaking of his former player Harry said: 'He was genuinely a nice boy and liked by everyone no one had any issues with him. 'A happy memory we all share of Tristan is when he scored the winning goal against New Inn in our title winning season. 'We were losing two nil and Tristan scored which was a massive step in an undefeated season.' The winning match in which Tristan scored the final goal (Image: Harry Furness) Harry explained how the memorial match would be special. He told the Argus: 'We are trying to celebrate him rather than be down in the dumps and remember all the good things. 'There's going to be a minute's silence before the match and a stop at the 19th minute for an audience applause. 'We've added a tribute to him on our new football kit for this season that's got his name on one of the sleeves. 'An away kit is being presented to Tristan's family before the match and a home kit has been framed at the club.' Coach Harry Furness with Pontnewynydd AFC Tristan's teammates (Image: Harry Furness) A statement from the club reads: 'Pontnewynydd AFC will be holding a special memorial match in honour of our beloved teammate and friend, Tristan O'Keefe, who tragically passed away on June 11th. 'This match is not only a tribute to Tristan's memory, but also an opportunity to come together as a community and raise funds to support his family through Tristan's GoFundMe, helping them with funeral costs during this incredibly difficult time. 'Friends, family, and members of the community are warmly invited to come along, share memories, and help us celebrate Tristan's life.' The match will take place this Saturday, June 28. With kick-off at 2:00 pm.


Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Rugby player stabbed 10 times in front of girlfriend 'half an inch' from death
A rugby player was left just "half an inch" from death after he was stabbed 10 times in front of his girlfriend during a night out. Morgan Hopkins, 19, from Swansea, remains in hospital as he recovers from a 10-and-a-half hour operation after his ordeal. Morgan, who also goes by "Hoppy" with his Morriston RFC teammates, was attacked while the pair waited for a taxi in Gorseinon on Saturday. Morgan's family said he was stabbed 10 times with a surgeon commenting he was just half an inch away from having a wound deep enough that would have caused him to bleed to death. He has suffered life-changing injuries in the attack and has had part of his bowel removed and had tendons sewn back together. His mum, Victoria Owens Hopkins, said June 22 was the worst day of her life. She added: "In the early hours of Sunday morning my son and his girlfriend were sitting on a bench waiting for a lift home when Morgan was attacked with a knife. "He was stabbed 10 times. At first we thought they were superficial so we were all very relaxed. But that turned into 10.5 hours of Morgan having major surgery, where he had part of his bowel removed. He has had to have nerves and tendons sewn back in his arms." She added: "Half an inch saved his life. So in all this we consider ourselves very lucky." The family confirmed Morgan's surgeon said it would be a week to learn if the operation was successful, although Morgan has since been moved into intensive care and remains in a stable condition. South Wales Police has arrested and charged a 20-year-old man for attempted murder as well as being in possession of a bladed article, WalesOnline reported. A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "An investigation is ongoing in relation to a serious assault which occurred during the early hours of the morning on Sunday June 22, 2025, at The New Lodge Social Club, Alexandra Road, Gorseinon. "The victim remains in hospital in a stable condition. Twenty-year-old Kane Evans from Gorseinon has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article." Morriston RFC has set up a fundraiser in a bid to cover any medical costs from private rehabilitation services when he is released from hospital and not feel pressure about returning to work. A spokesperson for the rugby club said: "Not only does Morgan have physical wounds from this attack, but he will suffer from psychological trauma for years to come. "The purpose of this GoFundMe page is to raise money for Morgan as he's going to be out of work for some time. "We'd also like to raise some money for Morgan to be able to have some private sessions for physical and mental rehabilitation should he wish to have this. "Our thoughts go out to Morgan and his family during this difficult time and wish him a speedy recovery. See you on the rugby pitch again soon Hoppy." The GoFundMe campaign raised more than £3,000 in less than 24 hours. To view the campaign, click here.