The Abergavenny family of a of a four-year-old girl who died following a road traffic collision have set up a fundraising page and paid tribute describing her as a “kind, wonderful, loving young soul”.
Gracie-Ann Wheaton, from the Tredegar area, died in hospital on Sunday morning from her injuries sustained in the collision at around 1.45pm on Saturday February 5.
The incident, involving a car and a van, occurred on the M4 Westbound between Junction 28 and 29. The four occupants of the car were all taken to hospital following the collision.
Gwent Police have confirmed that a three-year-old boy, Gracie’s brother Jayden is in critical condition, a woman remains in hospital in a stable condition and a man has been released.
The driver of the van, 41-year-old Martin Newman of South Avenue in Croeserw, has been charged by police with causing death by dangerous driving and two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Newman appeared before Newport Magistrates Court on Monday February 7, where the District Judge remanded him into custody pending a hearing at Newport Crown Court due to take place on February 21.
The Lucas family from Abergavenny are relatives of Gracie-Ann and her family.
The Lucas’ are known for their frequent charity work in Abergavenny, and following Gracie-Ann’s tragic death have set up a GoFundMe page raise money for Gracie’s family.
Posting a message on Facebook on Sunday evening, Jamie Lucas said: “Today heaven has gained another angel. My cousin, Gracie-Ann, has passed away. She was only 4 years old.
“Gracie-Ann you were a kind, wonderful, loving young soul, who had a bright future ahead of you. I just can’t believe you’re really gone. Rest in Peace, Gracie-Ann. You’ll forever be missed dearly.”
Money raised from the page will go towards Gracie-Ann’s funeral and to also help support her family’s visits to the hospital whilst her brother, Jayden, aged 3, is still undergoing intensive care.
The fundraising page, created by Jamie Lucas on Sunday, has already raised over £6,000 from more than 400 donations with many donors leaving messages expressing their sadness at Gracie’s death and offering messages of support towards her family.
If you would like to donate towards Gracie-Ann’s fundraising page please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-pay-for-gracieanns-funeral
Following Saturday’s crash, Gwent Police are appealing for information.
A spokesman said: “If you have dash-cam footage, or any information that could help the investigation, please call us on 101, quoting 2200041245, or you can DM us on our social media channels.”