Emotional balloon release in memory of Hartlepool crash tragedy family

John Crompton, 31, and two of his children Morgan Christian Lund, nine, and four-year-old Evie-Lily Crompton died as the dad drove near Dijon on Sunday morning.

The children’s mother, Makayla Louise Lund, 25, and two-year-old Kyle Lucas Crompton were injured.

Both were taken to hospital, where Ms Lund’s condition is described as stable, while Kyle remains seriously ill.

Mr Crompton, a popular snooker player, is believed to have suffered a heart attack as he was freed from the wreckage of the car.

Tonight at Barnard Grove Primary School, which both Morgan and Evie-Lily attended, white and purple balloons were released into the early evening sky by those devastated by what has happened.

The release followed an afternoon of fund-raising at the school in aid of the family.

Organiser of the fund-raising and balloon event Kayleigh Todd, 27, told the Mail: "We just wanted to do something to support the family and friends who are over in France now.

"What has happened is absolutely terrible and we just hope Makayla and Kyle will be OK."

Headteacher at Barnard Grove, Lee Walker, said: "The pupils have been really strong all week and it's testament to them, the parents and the staff as to how they have reacted.

"Monday morning was tremendously difficult as you can imagine but people said straightaway that they wanted to do something to help and they have done.

"This is a fitting tribute to Morgan and Evie-Lily, and they'll be sadly missed."

A statement released on behalf of the family following Sunday's horror incident said: “A devastating tragedy has left our family heartbroken forever. Our lives have been torn apart and will never be the same again.

“We have lost the heart of our family.”

Family members are understood to have flown out to France earlier this week to be with Makayla and Kyle as they battle to recover.

An appeal on the Go Fund Me fund-raising website has so far generated more than £11,300 for the family.