Home   Sheerness   News   Article

Pat Duffy, of Rushenden, Sheppey, speaks after being involved in crash just days after son's death

A couple whose son died unexpectedly this month have been involved in a crash with a lorry.

Pat Duffy lost her 32-year-old son Graham Duffy, otherwise known as Bill, on August 10.

Yesterday morning, she, husband Geoffrey, and granddaughter Elleah Wheatley, were heading towards Sheerness when a lorry smashed into their car at Queenborough Corner.

The car after the accident.
The car after the accident.

Mrs Duffy said: "We were at the traffic lights, ready to go when it went green.

"Then this lorry came straight from the direction of the garage and hit us and the driver then got out and hurled abuse at me."

It happened around midday.
It happened around midday.

The 61-year-old and seven-year-old Elleah were on the side of impact and ended up battered, bruised and shaken.

All three emergency services were called to the junction with Main Road and firefighters had to cut the car open to free them.

Geoffrey and Pat Duffy
Geoffrey and Pat Duffy

She added: "The driver got back in the lorry and drove off – I had to be cut out of the car.

"We're trying to get the money for my son's funeral at the moment but my car's now been written off.

Father-of-three Graham ‘Bill’ Duffy died at his home in Rushenden
Father-of-three Graham ‘Bill’ Duffy died at his home in Rushenden

"It's just not even feasible – we don't know what's going to happen next so we're just hoping we don't have any more happen.

"I tried to sleep last night but every time I closed my eyes, I could just see this lorry coming at us."

Her husband, 63, suffers from dementia and was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital with a concussion, but has since returned home.

Granddaughter Elleah Wheatley
Granddaughter Elleah Wheatley

"I just can't believe that he shouted us, if he thought he was in the right then why did he drive away?" she said.

Mrs Duffy suffered glass cuts to her arm and a large bruise and her granddaughter is okay, but very shaken.

According to the family, the lorry was yellow and had a pick up on the back.

If you witnessed the crash and can help the police investigation, call 101.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More