Wife’s heartbreak after dad Darren Pollard killed in Cambrai crash, loyal dog thrown from wreck
Rescuers say it’s a miracle that Ollie the staffie somehow defied death in a horror crash that killed his beloved owner.
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Covered in blood and windscreen glass, Ollie the staffie somehow defied death in a horror crash that killed his beloved owner.
Sedan man Darren Pollard, 59, had just popped down to the shops with Ollie by his side on Sunday afternoon when their Toyota SUV was hit by a semi-trailer along Ridley Road in Cambrai.
The dad-of-four never made it home but his dog miraculously survived after being flung from the car during the crash.
Cambrai-based wildlife rescuer Sally Arnold said Ollie had been found unconscious, bloodied and lying motionless in the middle of the road.
“It’s an absolute miracle he survived — I saw the devastation at the scene myself and I think the only reason why he’s still alive is because he wasn’t restrained,” she said.
“He was in a lot of pain and couldn’t move at all when I got there.
“I think his back foot must have got caught when he went through the windscreen because he lost one of his toes and was bleeding.
“The poor thing had shards of glass embedded all over his skin and was covered in grazes from rolling down the road.”
But now, under Ms Arnold’s care at Wildwood Park Sanctuary Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, Ollie is making a slow but steady recovery.
“He is recovering slowly but well, considering. Darren and Ollie were always together when we’d see them around in the community — he was his best mate,” she said.
She said Ollie will stay at the sanctuary until Mr Pollard’s heartbroken wife, Jacqui-Lee, is ready to bring him home.
Mrs Pollard has since paid tribute to the man she called “the light of my life” after the family launched a GoFundMe to help cover his funeral costs.
“On Sunday May 18, my beautiful husband was killed in a road accident,” she wrote in an emotional Facebook post.
“He was just out doing a quick run to the shops and never made it home. I am totally devastated and can’t see a future without him. Our four children are equally devastated.
“Darren was the light of my life. He knew me better than any other person on this planet and always had my back.
“He loved me and his family without measure. Family to him was the most important thing. Darren spent his life helping others and always protecting those that were important to him. I don’t know how I’m supposed to go on without him.”
She also thanked first responders and the friends who’ve stepped up in the days since the crash.
“The local police officer that came to my home with this horrific news was gentle and genuine,” she said.
“Huge thank you to Sally who currently has our dog Ollie in care after he was thrown from the car. I am so grateful that he had someone to look after him as he was Darren’s best mate.”
“The world today lost a beautiful gentle soul that can never be replaced. I am totally heartbroken.”
Police have since arrested a 33-year-old truck driver over the fatal crash and charged him with causing death by dangerous driving and causing harm by dangerous driving.
He’s been granted bail and will front Berri Magistrates Court on August 11.
Originally published as Wife’s heartbreak after dad Darren Pollard killed in Cambrai crash, loyal dog thrown from wreck
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