Wife’s heartbreak after dad Darren Pollard killed in Cambrai crash, loyal dog thrown from wreck
The heartbroken wife of a man killed in a horror crash near Cambrai has told of how a quick trip to the shops with his dog ended in tragedy.
He only popped out for a quick trip to the shops with his dog — but Darren Pollard tragically never made it home.
The 59-year-old father-of-four died in a horror smash near Cambrai on Sunday, leaving behind a heartbroken wife, grieving children, and a faithful staffie who miraculously survived the crash after being flung from the car.
Emergency crews rushed to Ridley Road around 1.15pm after Mr Pollard’s Toyota SUV and another car collided with a semi-trailer truck.
Both cars rolled and Mr Pollard tragically died at the scene.
Police then went to his home in Sedan to deliver the devastating news to his wife Jacqui-Lee Pollard.
She has since paid tribute to the man she called “the light of my life” as the family launches a GoFundMe to help cover his funeral costs.
“On Sunday May 18, my beautiful husband was killed in an 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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