Heartbroken loved ones say final goodbye to tragic mum Kerry Coombes as funeral takes place in Higher Walton
The 33-year-old mum was tragically killed in a train crash last month.
The funeral service for 33-year-old Kerry Coombes who was killed in a train crash at a crossing in Hoghton last month has taken place today.
Mourners packed the Parish Church of All Saints' Higher Walton at 11am to say a final goodbye to the much loved and missed mum.
Level crossing barriers were up but no warning lights were flashing when mum Kerry and her eight-year-old daughter were struck by a train in their car.
Kerry tragically died in the collision on Station Road in Hoghton, at 08.50am on Thursday, June 25.
Her eight-year-old daughter, Ava, survived the collision, but remains in a serious condition in hospital. No injuries were caused to anyone on the train.
Network Rail - who owns and manages the rail line - said it had “fully co-operated with the investigation” and was “deeply sorry” for the “devastating impact it has had on Kerry Coombes’ family and loved ones.”
Days prior to her daughter’s funeral Kerry’s mum Karen thanked members of the public for their outpouring of love and support.
Posting in a public Facebook group she said: “Just wanted to say Thankyou to everyone for the lovely kind messages after our daughter, Kerry was tragically killed at the level crossing in Hoghton.
“We will be celebrating Kerry’s life on Tuesday 28th July, 11AM at All Saints church, Higher Walton, where everyone is invited to wear football related clothing. (preferably PNE ).
“The funeral car will be travelling from Hoghton along Gregson Lane.”
Paying tribute, Clifford Ward Funeral Directors in Preston who took charge of the funeral arrangements, said: “Kerry was a devoted mum to Ava-Rose and Cian, an adored fiancé to Matt, a much loved daughter of Karen and Stephen and sister of Nikole and Ryan.
“She was beautiful inside and out. She was kind, generous and full of life. She loved football, both coaching and supporting and Ava's biggest fan whether she was playing football, swimming or competing in gymnastics.
“Kerry lived for her children and her family and our lives will never be the same without her.”
Staff at The Hospital Inn pub in Preston where Kerry and her family visited also paid tribute.
The spokesperson said: “Today we would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Kerry Coombes as they lay her to rest.
“The family visited the Hospital Inn many times with Kerry, and her sister Nikole and brother Ryan both worked with some of our team. Shan, her cousin had been working at the Hospital Inn for several years and we also knew her well from our own visits to the pub.
“As a family from Hoghton originally, we are still shocked and horrified by the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and the devastation caused by it.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today. RIP Kerry Coombes May she rest in peace.”