Family 'heartbroken' over France motorway crash deaths Published duration 26 April 2016

image copyright Family handout image caption Evie-Lily Crompton (left) and Morgan Lund (centre) both died in the crash. Two-year-old Kyle Crompton (right) was badly injured

The family of a British man and two children killed in a crash in France have said they are "heartbroken".

John Crompton, 31, from Hartlepool, Teesside, was driving with his family near Dijon when the crash occurred on Sunday morning.

Morgan Christian Lund, aged nine, and four-year-old Evie-Lily Crompton also died at the scene.

The children's mother, Makayla Louise Lund, and two-year-old Kyle Lucas Crompton were injured.

Both were taken to hospital, where Ms Lund's condition is described as stable, while Kyle remains seriously ill.

In a statement issued through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office the family said: "A devastating tragedy has left our family heartbroken forever.

"Our lives have been torn apart and will never be the same again. We have lost the heart of our family."

image copyright Family photos image caption John Crompton died shortly after being freed from the vehicle, while Makayla Louise Lund was taken to hospital

'Total shock'

Friends have left messages on a Facebook page for the Hartlepool Billiards and Snooker group, of which Mr Crompton was a member.

Colin Harrison wrote: "Heartbreaking news about one of the league's top players.

"John Crompton and two of his children were tragically killed in a road accident in France.

"Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. very talented and well liked man. RIP mate."

Brian Trueman added: "Tragic tragic news, a family ripped apart far too young. I'm deeply shocked."

The children's school issued a statement.

Lee Walker, headteacher at Hartlepool's Barnard Grove Primary, said the school was in "total shock" and that prayers and thoughts were with the family.

image copyright 3EVN image caption The car left the motorway and hit an embankment supporting a bridge

He added: "Morgan was a Year 4 pupil who was an extremely popular member of his class, as well as the school in general.

"His sense of humour, fun and positive attitude brought life and joy to all.

"Evie-Lily was in our nursery and was the most kind-hearted and caring girl you could ever wish to meet.

"The pupils and staff are heartbroken and we are all helping each other to come to terms with this devastating news."

An appeal fund has also been set up for the surviving family members by Laura Austwicke, who urged people to pray for their recovery.

She wrote: "We are aware that there is another GoFundMe page set up in euros; however we'd like to set up another page in the UK for those wanting to donate in GBP."

image copyright Google image caption The children attended Barnard Grove Primary School

In an interview with the France3 TV channel, a member of the emergency services said two of the children were dead when they arrived and Mr Crompton was trapped.

He was said to have died from a heart attack minutes after he was released from the wreckage.

Cleveland Police said it was assisting the French authorities over the collision, and liaising with the Foreign Office.

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