The family of a couple from Cumbria who died following a collision in Rutland have paid tribute to them.
Mark Whitworth, 57, and Joyce Smith, 64, died following a two-vehicle collision on the A1 in Tinwell last Wednesday (21 November).
Today, the immediate family of the couple, who lived in Scotby, near Carlisle in Cumbria, said: “All can take some comfort in the knowledge that the couple, who had spent the last 25 years together, died suddenly and side by side with little suffering.”
The family also thanked everyone for their “enormous and overwhelming support during this difficult time.”
Mr Whitworth, who had worked for Cumbria County and Carlisle City Councils for more than three decades, and Ms Smith, who was a former St Aidan’s school teacher and director of Redcrest Holidays, had been travelling south to visit family at the time of the collision.
The incident happened at around 5.10pm on the southbound carriageway of Great North Road (A1) about 300 metres south of the junction with the A6121, Leicestershire
Mr Whitworth and Ms Smith, who were the driver and passenger in a white Citreon C3, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of a white Kia Sportage sustained minor injuries and was taken to Peterborough Hospital for treatment.
Leicestershire Police are continuing to appeal for information from the public following the collision, including asking anyone who saw either vehicle beforehand or who witnessed the collision to contact police as well as anyone who has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident.
Detective Sergeant Gary Haines, of Leicestershire Police, said: “We are continuing to carry out full enquiries into this tragic collision and are urging anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information should contact 101 quoting Leicestershire police incident number 429 of 21 November.
