Tributes to pair who died in M4 car crash
THE grieving families of two people who died in a crash on the M4 have paid emotional tributes to a “perfect” mum and a “sorely missed” father of two.
Tim Grace, 31, died in hospital a day after Tuesday’s crash, police confirmed yesterday.
Sarah-Jayne Thomas, who was the passenger in his car, died at the scene of the collision, which happened near Pyle just before 3pm.
She was a mother to two young sons, Harley, aged nine, and Jason, six. Her family yesterday described her as their “rock”, in a joint statement released alongside a picture of the 28-year-old, from Penlan in Swansea.
Members of Ms Thomas’ family, who are being supported by specially trained police officers, said: “Sarah-Jayne Thomas was my only daughter and my best friend.
“She is my perfect little sister. Words will never explain how much I’ll miss her.
“She was more than my big sister. She was my rock.
“A loving mother of Harley and Jason, aged nine and six. She will be missed by her family and everyone that knew her.”
Father of two Timothy Peter Grace, from Treboeth, Swansea, was driving the grey BMW X5.
He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff by air ambulance, but died on Wednesday from his injuries.
His family also released a short tribute yesterday.
In a statement, they said: “Tim Grace is survived by his parents and his younger brother.
“Sadly he leaves behind his two lovely children aged nine and two and a half years. Tim will be sorely missed by his family and friends.”
His parents also thanked everyone, including the emergency services, involved and passed on their condolences to the family of Ms Thomas.
The accident, which involved one car, happened on the westbound carriageway of the motorway, between Porthcawl and Margam.
The westbound carriageway was closed for seven hours between junction 37 for Pyle and junction 38 for Margam. The road re-opened at about 10pm.
The eastbound carriageway was temporarily blocked to assist with the incident but reopened slightly later.
South Wales Police is continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner in which the vehicle was being driven prior to it, or who has any dash-cam footage, to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference 1800212882.