Christopher Cockell, 50, is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 28 October charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving in relation to the fireball horror in 2024
A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving over a crash that killed six people and left an 11-year-old girl orphaned.
Shane Roller, 33, Shannen Morgan, 30, their daughters Rubie Morgan-Roller, nine, and Lillie Morgan-Roller, four, were killed instantly after the family’s Ford Focus collided with a motorbike on the A61 near Wakefield and Barnsley in 2024.
The couple’s other daughter, who was 11 at the time, was not travelling with them. Husband and wife Christopher and Janine Barton, 56 and 48, from Barnsley, who were both travelling on the motorcycle, also died in the horror crash.
Christopher Cockell, 50, is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 28 October charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
An inquest previously heard that the silver Ford Focus being driven by Shane crashed head on with the BMW motorcycle being driven by Christopher Barton, 56, at about 3:50pm on July 21, 2024, between Staincross and Newmillerdam.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “Christopher Cockell, aged 50, of Gresford Close, Woolley Grange, is accused of six counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
“He has been summoned following an investigation by the Major Collision Enquiry Team (MCET) into the collision which took place on Barnsley Road, in Wakefield district, between Staincross and Newmillerdam on 21 July 2024.”
A fundraising page set up to support Shane and Shannen’s other daughter raised more than £400,00 from well-wishers. She was in the car at the time of the fireball smash as she chose not to go for a walk with her family.
The Go Fund Me page was set up by a family friend, who said the money would go towards school fees, counseling and living expenses.
He who described the youngster, who is a huge Taylor Swift fan, as a ‘bright and resilient’ girl who ‘finds comfort in her music.’, adding: “She is a bright and resilient young girl, known for her infectious smile and kind heart.
“Despite her unimaginable loss, she shows incredible strength every day. She loves football and playing outdoors. She is also a huge Taylor Swift fan and finds comfort in her music.
“She now faces an uncertain future. With her immediate family gone, she needs support to ensure she has a stable, loving environment where she can heal and grow.”
Police were called to the A61 between Barnsley, South Yorks,. and Wakefield, West Yorks,. at 3:54pm after reports of a car and a motorcycle collision.
Pals paid tribute to Shannen, Shane and their children on social media at the time, describing them as a ‘beautiful family.’
One person said: “My heart just hurts, my brain won’t accept what’s happened. Shannen you was always my extra sister not just my cousin, we grew together. I just can’t speak. No words. Sleep tight my little Roller family, your memory will live on for eternity.”
Another person said: “You are and always will be one of my closest friends. There are no words to describe the utter loss this has created for family/ friends and the community around us.
“I hope your at peace Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller, with your beautiful girls. Heaven has gained a beautiful family.”
Someone else said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken I’m gonna miss all of you. It’s absolutely broken my heart and it’s absolutely broke both side of families. You all had a heart of gold and gonna miss you all like crazy.”