A GRANDMOTHER was walking on the daily route she took to keep her mind off the loss of her husband when she was fatally struck by a stolen HGV, the Chronicle has learned.
Tributes have flooded in this week for popular Jacqueline Wileman, the 58-year-old who died on Common Road, Brierley, last Friday.
The HGV, according to police, was travelling towards Grimethorpe at about 1.40pm when an officer in a marked patrol car, travelling in the opposite direction, turned round to follow the vehicle.
It then hit Mrs Wileman, of nearby Oak Road, and two parked cars before the vehicle careered into a new-build house on Park View which was severely damaged. No-one was injured in the property, according to police.
A video taken by a resident shortly after the crash shows locals apprehending the HGV’s occupants, who appear to have attempted to run away from the scene before they were stopped.
Jacqueline’s brother, Johnny Wood, appealed for anyone with any information to help the police with their enquiries.
“We’re all numb,” he added. “You know you have to get on with it when a family member dies from an illness but the circumstance of Jacqueline’s death are something we’re obviously struggling with.
“Her children, Kate and Ryan, have lots on their plate so we want anyone with information to pass it on to the police to help us through this tragic time.
“She was walking her usual route as she always did, minding her own business. It cut through the woods in Grimethorpe and went on Common Road, where she was hit by the HGV.”
The Chronicle understands Jacqueline began walking the route three years ago to keep her mind off her husband, Trevor, who was known to his friends as ‘Danny’, who had died of a heart attack.
“Jacqueline was very popular in the community,” Johnny added.
“She was outgoing and would help anyone. She was a regular at The Victoria and Star pubs in Cudworth on weekends and would always be at the side of the bar with her friend, Bev Rounds.
“I can’t thank the community enough for the messages we have received this week as they have been amazing. They not only came out and helped apprehend those in the HGV, but they have shown they are second to none with what they have done following that.”
Two Just Giving pages one to help Mrs Wileman’s family with funeral costs and one to help the family whose home was damaged in the crash have been set up by well-wishers this week who have collectively pledged more than £2,000.
Chief Superintendent Scott Green, District Commander for Barnsley, said the investigation continues and police remain keen to hear from anyone with information.
“I fully realise the impact this incident has had on our local community and I’d like to thank them for their support and patience as officers continue with their enquiries,” he added.
“The investigation is still very much ongoing and as such I’d ask that people be mindful of comments they make on social media, so that the case can progress through the courts and to prevent further distress to Mrs Wileman’s family.
“We remain keen to hear from anyone with information about what happened. If you can help, please call 101 quoting incident number 266 of September 14.”
David Mellor, 48, from Barnsley, has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking and failure to provide a sample; Karn Hill, 23, from Barnsley, is charged with aggravated vehicle taking; Wayne Carroll, 29, from Barnsley, is charged with aggravated vehicle taking and Alan Mawhinney, 53, from Barnsley is charged with aggravated vehicle taking and failure to provide a sample.
All four appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Monday where they were remanded in custody. They will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on October 15.
