Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, from Glasgow, was one of five people, including two children, who died in a head-on crash between a Toyota and a Skoda, which was travelling in the wrong direction on the M6 in Cumbria
A dad who was killed in the horror head-on collision on the M6 in Cumbria has been named locally as a beloved Glasgow chef.
Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene near Tebay services on Tuesday, alongside Jade McEnroe, 33, and two children Filip, 15, and Dominic, 7. They were all from Glasgow and believed to have been travelling back from Legoland in a Toyota.
Cumbria Police received a report that a Skoda had been travelling southbound on the northbound carriageway. Officers were en route when further calls were received it had been involved in a head-on collision with the Toyota. The driver of a Skoda, a 40-year-old man from Cambridgeshire, also died.
It’s understood Jaroslaw was a much-loved dad who worked at Wagamama in Silverburn shopping centre in Glasgow and the restaurant’s CEO Thomas Heier said that his colleagues were “heartbroken” and called him a “cherished chef and friend”.
Though Jaroslaw has yet to be formally identified by police, his employer released a statement paying tribute to him – and the “huge impression” he had made while working at the restaurant over the last eight years. Heier told the BBC that Jaroslaw had formed “unforgettable relationships with the team members and guests who had the pleasure of knowing him”.
He added: “His warmth, dedication and kindness are the characteristics of Jaroslaw that will stay with the team long after his passing. We send our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, for which we know he was deeply devoted to. Jaroslaw, you will live in our hearts and minds forever.”
A seven-year-old child who was airlifted to hospital following the crash continues to fight for his life, according to a fundraiser that has been launched to help support the family. Jade’s loved ones have been left absolutely devastated by the news and tributes have flooded in on social media, reported the Daily Record.
Nicola Thompson said: “We grew up next door to to Jade and her lovely mum and dad. Have loads of lovely memories together. Life is so cruel, I’m praying for [the child] who is the most sweetest little boy with his whole life ahead of him. Rest in Peace Jade McEnroe and your beautiful family.”
Maggie Snodgrass said: “Rest in peace to all my thoughts are with both families at this sad time xx” Nichola Smith said: “Rest in peace Jade McEnroe. I hope you and your family are at peace …. prayers your mum and dad. God rest you xxx” Mary Brown said: “Rest in eternal peace Jade and your wee family. God has sure got an angel with him.”
Janice Mcguire said: “Rest in peace Jade. Love to your family thinking of them.” Sarah Bryce added: “God bless you Jade McEnroe and your family.” The GoFundMe aims to raise money to ease the financial burden for loved ones. Since being organised yesterday, the campaign has raised over £4,500 of a £5,000 goal. The family are also being supported by specially trained officers.
Photographs on social media showed a plume of black smoke rising into the sky above the motorway at the site of the crash. The images also showed the tailbacks created by the incident, with traffic backed up across all three lanes of the motorway.
A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses to the fatal collision. Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at https://orlo.uk/IzuxI, quoting incident number 146 of October 15 2024. You can also phone on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
