Jennifer Anne Brown was described as a “caring and compassionate” person who “touched countless lives”
Jennifer Anne Brown sadly died following a crash on the A55 at the Conwy Tunnel
The family of a woman who died in a tunnel crash in Conwy said she had a “smile that could light up any room.” Jennifer Anne Brown has been named locally as a “caring and compassionate” mum and nan from Anglesey.
Jennifer, known as Jenny to her friends, died in the devastating crash on the A55 yesterday (January 29), which involved a lorry and car. Both sides of the carriageway were closed and several air ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Three other people suffered injuries in the crash, believed to be relatives of Jenny and were taken to Aintree Hospital and Royal Stoke Hospital for treatment.
They remain “in a critical condition” according to a GoFundMe crowdfunding appeal set up to support the family, reports North Wales Live.
Tributes have been paid to Jenny, who is from the Newborough area, and worked at the Glan Rhos Nursing Home for more than two decades.
Police at the scene after a crash on the A55 shut the Conwy Tunnel(Image: David Powell/ReachPLC)
Devastated colleagues paid an emotional tribute to Jenny. A statement from the nursing home said: “Jenny, affectionately known to everyone here as ‘Queen,’ has been a valued member of staff at Glan Rhos for over 20 years. Not just a member of staff she was family.
“She first walked through the door as a shy 17-year-old and, over time, blossomed into the caring and compassionate person we all came to know and love. Jenny touched countless lives throughout her career, always greeting everyone with a warm smile that could light up any room.
“She never arrived at work without her make-up, especially her signature lipstick and favourite perfume. Jenny was deeply proud of her family, a devoted mother and grandmother. The news of her passing in such tragic circumstances has saddened us all, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members also in the accident.
“This devastating news has profoundly affected everyone at Glan Rhos – staff, patients, and families alike. We have already received messages and phone calls offering condolences to Jenny’s family and everyone at the home.”
The GoFundMe appeal, set up by Bethan Williams, to raise money for the family said: “Dear Friends, Family and Kind Strangers. Yesterday, our community was shattered by a horrific car accident that has left a precious young girl Keisha aged 20 suddenly without her beloved mum.
The Conwy Tunnel on the A55 has been closed in both directions following a ‘serious’ crash, leading to major traffic jams(Image: David Powell/ReachPLC)
“To make this tragedy even more unbearable, the rest of her family members are fighting for their lives in critical care at the hospital.
“In an instant, this bright, gentle child has lost the parent who cared for her every single day, and now faces an uncertain future as her loved ones battle to recover.
“She is currently being looked after by close family friends, but the road ahead is filled with overwhelming challenges.”
It said the funds raised would go directly to supporting Keisha and her family “in their greatest time” and would include covering funeral costs, medical expenses for the family and assisting with living arrangements.
It added: “No amount is too small – every donation will make a real difference to a little girl who has already been through more than anyone should ever have to endure. We know times are tough for many, but if you can spare anything at all, or simply share this page widely, it would mean the world to us.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, compassion and support during this impossible time. With deepest gratitude.”
Following the tragedy yesterday, North Wales Police released a statement which said: “A woman has sadly died following a collision on the A55 in Conwy. At around midday on Thursday, January 29, we responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on the A55 westbound at J17 in Conwy Morfa involving a HGV and a car.
“Emergency services attended but despite best efforts, a woman in her 40s, who was travelling in the car, was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Two people were airlifted to hospitals in Stoke and Aintree with serious injuries, while a third person was taken by ambulance to Aintree. All four people were travelling in the same car. The driver of the HGV is currently assisting police with their enquiries.
“The road closure on the westbound carriageway has now been partially removed, with a single lane of traffic flowing from the Conwy Tunnel exiting at J17 Conwy Morfa off slip and then re-joining the carriageway on the J17 on slip. Investigations by the North Wales Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit are ongoing at the scene.”
Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan also shared his “deepest condolences” with the family and urged any witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage to come forward.
There were no further updates from police today. The Conwy Tunnel has since reopened to traffic.
To donate to the appeal click here.