First picture of baby boy killed after van crashed into pram as dad pays tribute
Mum Rachel Thorold, 36, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
The father of a baby boy killed in a van crash in Cambridgeshire has paid tribute to his ‘joyful smile and laughter’ in a statement.
Mum Rachel Thorold, 36, had been pushing Louis, five months, in his pram alongside the A10, Ely Road, when they were hit by a white Renault Master van just before 4pm on January 22. The van had been in a collision with a grey Mazda 2, which caused it to mount the pavement.
Louis was killed in the crash, and Mrs Thorold is currently in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Both drivers of the vehicles also suffered slight injuries.
Today Louis’s father Chris Thorold, who is the finance director of Marshall Aerospace, said: ‘We will love you always our little Louis. You were only with us for a short time, but you made us the happiest people in the world.
‘I cannot describe how heartbroken we are that you are gone. You are such a happy little boy and your joyful smile and laughter will never leave us.
‘Your Mama is fighting to stay with us and we are praying that she will make it through. You will always be in our hearts and do not worry, I am taking care of all your animals.
‘We love you so much and we know you will now be safe with Granny, Grandad and Great Grandpa in heaven. Take care my little Lou, sweet dreams.’
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the collision or moments leading up to it to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Mark Dollard, from the road policing unit, said today: ‘This is an extremely tragic and sad incident and our deepest condolences go out to the family of Louis, who are being supported by a specially-trained officer.
‘A thorough investigation will now be conducted by my team and I am seeking help from the public. While it is too early to say how the collision happened, I want to remind all road users of their responsibilities to drive with care.’
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