A 70-something woman hit by a reversing van while crossing Lowbourne, Melksham, is set to have her life support withdrawn this Thursday morning. Cheryl Decarteret and her lifelong friend Margaret Shaw were struck at around 1.30pm last Saturday (September 27).
Police first thought the injuries serious but not life-threatening. Sadly, both women’s conditions have worsened dramatically. Cheryl’s family say she won’t recover.
Heartbroken Family Prepares to Say Goodbye
“My family are absolutely heartbroken,” Cheryl’s daughter, Hayley Charman Decarteret, told Wiltshire 999s. “Tomorrow will be the last time we see or speak to her. No more birthdays, no more Christmases.”
Cheryl was well-loved in Melksham and leaves a “massive void” in the community, Hayley added. Meanwhile, Margaret, Cheryl’s friend of 60 years, remains in critical condition.
Police Urge Witnesses to Come Forward
Hayley is begging anyone with information about the crash to speak up. “If you know anything, no matter how small, please be brave enough to come forward.”
A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and dangerous driving but has since been released on bail. Wiltshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT) is hunting for witnesses or dashcam footage.
“This is a really serious incident,” said PC Leigh Mayhew. “Two elderly women are fighting for their lives. We want to speak to anyone who saw what happened or has CCTV or dashcam footage. Please come forward.”
Contact SCIT on 01225 694597, quoting log number 141 of September 27.
Originally published on UKNIP