Family’s tribute to father and son who died in crash

Ethan Sarkar, 14, and his 47-year-old father Derek, died in the two-vehicle crash in East Cowick on Saturday that left his mother and nine-year-old sister seriously injured.

The family were travelling in a silver VW Golf on a remote stretch of the A614 when it crashed on a bridge in a head-on collision with a red Volvo driven by Sheila Stavert-Lee, 70, of Wigginton, near York, who also died.

In a statement, the family of the Sarkars, who are from Birmingham and were believed to have been visiting relatives in the area, said: “Today we are saddened and distraught with the loss of two members of our family, Derek and Ethan.

“We are still shocked by the nature of the incident and all our prayers and efforts are currently directed to supporting his wife and daughter make a full and speedy recovery and helping them cope with their loss.

“Derek was a wonderful father, husband and a lively and central part of our family. Ethan was at the heart of all our lives, their loss to us is beyond belief.

“We thank all Derek and Ethan’s friends for their kind words, thoughts and support. They mean a lot to us and we know they will be missed by all of you.

“We also understand that there is a third victim in this tragic accident and our hearts and thoughts go out to her family and friends.”

The statement added: “Once again we thank you all for your kind messages, thoughts and prayers.”

Both drivers and Ethan were pronounced dead at the scene.

Locals ran out to help those trapped in the wreckage before the emergency services arrived.

The crash, which is still being investigated, prompted calls for safety measures to be introduced on the road, which is long and straight and often sees vehicles speeding, residents said.