Family’s heartbreaking tribute to ‘kind, caring, funny’ girl, 6, killed in crash
A six-year-old girl who died after being struck by a van has been described as ‘a priceless gift’ to all those who knew her.
Mille Gribble had been walking on Garstang Road in Barton, Lancashire around 1.15pm on August 15 when the collision took place.
Police had rushed to the scene following reports of a crash between a van and a group of pedestrians.
Millie was taken to hospital where she later died, with her family at her bedside.
In an emotional tribute released today, her parents paid tribute to the ‘caring and kind’ schoolgirl who had dreamed of one day becoming a police officer.
They said : ‘Millie was not only an amazing little girl, she was a precious daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend but most importantly she was a priceless gift to us all.
‘There are no words to describe how much Millie was loved and how her loss has affected everyone who knew her.
‘Millie loved spending precious time with family and friends. She had a passion for playing football, swimming, going on new adventures and was a big fan of music and YouTube.
‘Millie loved her pets, her hamster Fang, her brother’s cat Mia and her 14-week-old puppy Duke who was her little sidekick.
‘Millie had so many great qualities; she was kind, caring, funny, clever, energetic and full of life.
‘Millie loved being part of a big family and talked about having her own family one day.
‘Millie wanted to be a police officer when she grew up so she could help and support those people who needed it.
‘In her short six years of life she brought so much joy to all our hearts and so many smiles to our faces. We will always cherish the memories we have with Millie for the rest of our lives.
‘Whenever Millie entered a room she would never fail to light it up like she did with all our hearts.
‘Millie never failed to make us laugh and smile with her mischievous antics and adorable sense of humour.
‘Millie was such a happy little girl who will be eternally missed by her family and friends and all who knew her.
‘Millie you may be gone Sweetheart but you will never be forgotten. We hope you are flying with the angels in peace.’
Her parents signed the tribute ‘Love you always with all our hearts Mummy and Daddy XXXX.’
Two other children, a 14-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, suffered injuries in the crash and remain in hospital for treatment.
A 59-year-old man from Nateby, near Garstang, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He has been released under investigation while investigations continue.
Lancashire Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information, dashcam or mobile footage to get in touch.
Sgt Rebecca Price, of the Road Policing Unit, said earlier this week: ‘A little girl has very sadly lost her life as a result of this collision and my thoughts are with her loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through at this time.
‘Our investigation into this collision is ongoing and I would continue to appeal to anyone with information or footage to get in touch.’
If you think you can help please email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 733 of August 15, 2023.
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