A baby girl aged 11 months survived a crash in Devon that claimed the life of her “incredibly loved” mother.
On August 8, Caitlin Saunders was on her way to a family holiday with her daughter Hallie, aged 11 months, when they were involved in a “devastating car accident”.
An inquest opened at Exeter Coroners Court on August 25 heard that police were called to the A30 near Honiton after reports of a single vehicle road traffic collision.
Caitlin, who lived in Milton Keynes, was a front seat passenger and was pronounced deceased at the scene at 3.05pm, the inquest heard.
Devon and Cornwall Police said at the time that the driver of the car suffered minor injuries.
In memory of “beautiful” Caitlin, who was “taken far too soon”, her family have launched a fundraiser to help with funeral costs and to establish a fund for Hallie, who is set to turn one next month.
Karen Saunders, Caitlin’s aunt, said in the Gofundme: “There are simply no words to describe the devastation the family is facing.
“Caitlin was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. She was known and loved by so many people, and the heartbreak of losing her is impossible to put into words.”
Karen said their only comfort is the “beautiful girl” Caitlin leaves behind.
She continued: “Hallie turns one next month. Her first birthday should be a day filled with love, laughter and memories made with her mummy. Instead, it will be the first of so many milestones that Caitlin will never get to witness.
“Hallie will grow up without her mummy by her side, to watch her take her first steps, celebrate her first day at school, guide her through life and be there for all the moments that every mum dreams of sharing with her child.”
Karen said Hallie was Caitlin’s “world” and she was “so incredibly proud to be her mummy”.
The fundraiser, which has raised over £11,000, hopes to provide Hallie with “some financial security and a helping hand as she grows up”.
Karen continued: “Caitlin's life was heartbreakingly short, but the love she gave and the memories she created will stay with us forever.”
To donate to the fundraiser, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-caitlin?utm_campaign=unknown&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=widget
Fundraiser for Baby Who Survived Crash That Killed Her Mum