Tributes for killed BA staff
THREE BRITISH AIRWAYS CABIN CREW DIED AFTER NEW YEAR’S EVE CRASH CLOSE TO HEATHROW AIRPORT
TRIBUTES have poured in for the three young people who died in a New Year’s Eve crash near Heathrow Airport.
British Airways cabin crew Rachel Clark, 20, Joe Finnis, 25, and Dominic Fell, 23, were all killed when their white Toyota Yaris collided with a lorry in Stanwell in the closing minutes of 2019. A fourth passenger was also seriously injured and remains in hospital.
Since the shocking crash, tributes and donations have poured in for the families.
More than £63,000 has been raised so far on a fundraising page named BA Angels in their memory and donations continue to be made.
Caroline Reid said: “You do not know the lives you have touched and are better for having met you – shine brightly Angels”.
Many of the tributes expressed sympathy for the families of those affected.
Tomo Woodland donated £100, saying: “I can’t even imagine the sadness and grief the families must be feeling right now — you’re in my prayers.”
Aimee White said: “Thoughts are with the affected family and friends. Fly higher angels”.
Sean McCafferty donated £20, saying: “It’s the only thing we can do now. Helping the family left behind. I recently lost a loved one so I know what they are going through.”
Ms Clark had completed her training just weeks before and had been posting on social media about how excited she was to start her new career.
BA cabin crew member Stephen Crook, who set up the GoFundMe page, wrote: “I don’t know if I knew these individuals personally, but at Mixed Fleet we are all one large family and when times are tough we pull together and look out for one another like no other family can.
“My aim for the funds is to split the final total equally in four, giving each family affected an equal amount and to ensure that we as a fleet can send a nice flower arrangement to the three crew members’ funerals.”
All three of the people killed and the woman seriously injured worked for British Airways.
Ian MacKenzie donated £50 and said: “Just a loyal BA passenger saying thank you.”
Many of the donations came from people working in the airline industry.
John Skelton said: “I have never worked for British Airways, but have spent almost 30 years working in the industry at Manchester.
“Whatever job you do in aviation you belong to a very special ‘family.’ Sincere condolences to all the families, friends and work colleagues at BA. Just an awful tragedy.”
A few of the tributes also spoke about the driver of the other vehicle.
Eileen McConnell said: “Devastating tragedy and just can’t stop crying.
“Am also thinking of lorry driver who must also be traumatised so our prayers for him too.”
The timing of the crash, just minutes before the new decade started, and the age of those involved has shocked many.
Lorraine Brum, who donated £15, said: “No one should be taken so young and to hear of fellow colleagues passing especially this young and like this is tragic.
“May all their families and friends find the strength to carry on to keep their memories alive.”