Paddy Doherty leads tributes to mum, dad and daughter, 3, killed in pony trap crash

Rita Connors, her husband Francie and their three-year-old daughter Ka died after a tipper truck struck their pony and trap on the A228 in East Peckham, Kent, on April 1

Joe Smith News Reporter and Kelly Williams Content Editor

20:25, 10 Apr 2026

[Rita Connors, her husband Francie Connors and their child Ka died in the crash]

Rita Connors, her husband Francie Connors and their child Ka died in the crash(Image: Facebook/Paddy Doherty Site)

A mother has tragically passed away following a tipper truck colliding with a pony and trap, resulting in her death along with her husband and three-year-old daughter. Rita Connors, her husband, Francie Connors and their little girl, Ka were killed in the accident on the A228 in East Peckham, near Tonbridge in Kent.

The mum-of-four was rushed to hospital after emergency services arrived at the scene on the evening of 1 April. Mr Connors and the pony died at the scene while Ka passed away in hospital shortly afterwards.

Kent Police confirmed yesterday that Rita Connors had also sadly lost her life.

[An image depicts a close-up view of two individuals, one of whom appears to be gazing directly at the camera while the other looks off to the side. The woman is dressed in a black and white patterned top, and both individuals are set against a purple background.]

Rita and Francie were killed(Image: Facebook/Paddy Doherty Site)

The pony and trap were travelling southbound on the A228 when they were hit by a DAF tipper truck driving in the same direction, reports the Mirror.

The driver, a 29-year-old man from Kent, was arrested in connection with the crash but has since been released on bail.

Paddy Doherty, star of Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and Celebrity Big Brother winner, led tributes to the family, to whom he is related. Doherty shared several videos on Facebook, labelling the crash a "travesty," and expressing the heartbreak of losing his relatives.

[Paddy said the incident is a 'travesty']

Paddy said the incident is a 'travesty'(Image: Getty Images)

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He said: "My heart's broke over that young boy and his daughter ... Imagine going for a ride in a horse cart, there's not more beautiful in the world. We call it a drive, a nice little country drive, his wife, his child and him, within a split blink gone, their lives are gone."

In an earlier statement, Kent Police stated: "An investigation into the circumstances is underway and witnesses or anyone who saw the truck or pony and trap prior to the collision, is urged to contact the appeal line."

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