Dad and two children die in horror smash on Father’s Day stroll
A FATHER and his two children were killed in a suspected drink-driving incident while walking their dog on Father’s Day.
Joshua James Flynn, 37, his son Coby-Jay, 15, and 12-year-old daughter Skylar died when they were hit by a car on Sunday afternoon.
The family had been enjoying a stroll near their home in Dalton-inFurness, Cumbria, on Sunday when a Peugeot 206 collided with them before hitting a tree.
Cumbria Police said a 47-year-old man has been arrested and is being questioned on suspicion of drink-driving and three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
Yesterday, a woman who lives near the crash scene said: “There’s an intense sadness. It’s horrific and it just feels heavy.We’re in disbelief.
“I think the fact it was Father’s Day just multiplied everything.”
Her partner, who also did not want to be named, said: “After I noticed the police I went to the top of the drive and looked down.
“I didn’t see the driver of the car but the door to the car was open and it had hit a tree.
“There were emergency vehicles everywhere, police and ambulances, and the fire brigade came down later.” The three were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The family dog Troy was also found dead by the road.
Yesterday, markings from police investigations could be seen on the road and pavement beside damaged temporary railings.
One couple left flowers on the tree in tribute.
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I was listening to the radio so I had no idea what happened. But I know my neighbour heard the bang from the crash. It was a big shock.”
Community leaders led tributes in Dalton, describing the incident as a “tragedy for the town”.
Mayor of Dalton Nick Perie said: “It’s an absolute tragedy. My heart goes out to the family. It’s sad when anything like this happens.”
Steve Nott, a local councillor, said he knew there had been a tragedy when he walked his dog near the police cordon shortly afterwards. He said: “The police officer told me I couldn’t go any further and I could tell from his face something very sad had happened.
“It’s absolutely awful and devastating for all those involved and especially on Father’s Day. It really sickens me to the bottom of my stomach.
“It’s dreadful to think what these people have gone through.”
Barry Doughty, chairman of Dalton Community Association, said: “It’s just terrible news. It’s just a desperate situation for the family.”
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “The family are currently being supported by our family liaison officers.
“Officers are urging anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact us.
“We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage which may have captured the collision.”