Double tragedy leaves family heartbroken

Jan 5 2006 By Emma Cullwick, Birmingham Mail

THE families of an uncle and nephew from the Midlands killed when their car crashed with an articulated lorry as they travelled to give relatives Christmas presents today spoke of their heartbreak.

David Haines, 35, and Malcolm Ward, 44, both of Droitwich, were making a trip to Tenby to deliver presents to loved ones.

Mr Ward, the youngest of seven children and originally from Erdington, died following the crash despite efforts by doctors at the city's Selly Oak Hospital to save him.

His widow, Julie, and their children Mark, 17, Ian, four, and seven-month-old Hazel, have been left shattered by his death.

Speaking for the first time about the tragedy, Mrs Ward said: "Malcolm wasn't just my husband, he was also my best friend. His family and children meant everything to him. We were going to re-new our marriage vows next year.

Mr Ward also ran a mobile catering business, dubbed 'Malcolm's Lay-by', on the A38 at Copcut.

Father-of-four Mr Haines, Mr Ward's nephew, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

"The children want everyone to know that they loved him to bits - he wasn't just their dad, he was their friend," said his widow, Alaina. "David was a big kid at heart and that's what made him so good with children."

A sergeant with the Army Cadets in Droitwich, Mr Haines loved taking young people camping and teaching map-reading.

Mrs Haines said: "David was a fantastic man and a perfect gentleman and we are all devastated that we have lost him."

Inquests into the two men's deaths have been opened and adjourned to a date to be fixed.

The pair were travelling on the A4103 in a beige Toyota Yaris when it was in collision with a Scania articulated lorry close to Leighton Court on Thursday, December 22.

Anyone with information should call police on 08457 444 888.

* A man was arrested following the collision on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was later released on bail.