Paddy Doherty, the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and Big Brother star, has led tributes for his cousin and three-year-old daughter who were killed when a tipper truck collided with their pony and trap.
The reality TV star has named the victims of a devastating road accident in Kent as his relatives Francie Connors and three-year-old Ka Connors.
The tragedy occurred on the A228 near Tonbridge at approximately 6:30 pm on Wednesday.
According to a social media post by the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star, the family’s cart was travelling along the road when it was struck from behind by a white DAF tipper truck heading in the same direction.
Mr Connors was pronounced dead at the scene along with the family’s pony.
Ka was rushed to the hospital but tragically passed away due to her injuries.
Mrs Connors remains in critical condition as she fights for her life in the hospital.
Kent Police have confirmed that the driver of the truck, a 29-year-old man, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Ka, 3, was rushed to the hospital but tragically passed away due to her injuries
Rita and Francie Connors were involved in a tragic crash on Wednesday
He currently remains in police custody as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
In a series of emotional Facebook videos, a devastated Doherty described the fatal collision as a ‘travesty,’ revealing the profound heartbreak of losing his relatives in a ‘split blink.’
Doherty detailed the moment a ‘juggernaut’ struck the family’s cart, claiming the lives of Francie Connors, his daughter Ka, and their horse. He paid a moving tribute to three-year-old Ka, describing her as a ‘little princess.’
While mourning the loss of the ‘young boy and his daughter,’ Doherty turned his focus to Rita Connors, who was rushed to the hospital for emergency brain surgery. Rita, who is also a mother to three sons, remains in a fight for her life.
Doherty added: ‘I pray to God that he will leave the mother behind.’
Tributes have flooded in for Francie and Ka across social media.
As the investigation into the white DAF tipper truck continues, Doherty expressed his hope that the police will ‘find out what’s what’ regarding the circumstances of the crash.
One user said: ‘So so sad, can’t ever imagine what’s sort of pain you have in your hearts right now Please god help this mummy pull through to good health All in my prayers.
Another added: ‘Bless her poor soul , beautiful angel child. What a tragedy. I hope the police get to the bottom of it. And wishes and prayers to her mumma’.
Paddy Doherty posted a tribute on Facebook alongside several videos
He concluded his tributes by sharing photos of the family, honouring the lives lost in the Kent tragedy.
In a statement, Kent Police said: ‘Witnesses and dashcam footage are sought by officers investigating a fatal collision in East Peckham near Tonbridge.
‘The incident happened on the A228 Boyle Way, between the junctions of Bandridges Road and Hale Street, at 6.25pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
‘A white DAF tipper truck was being driven on the southbound carriageway when it was involved in a collision with a pony and trap travelling in the same direction.
‘Patrols, South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended and a man in his 30s, who was in the trap, was confirmed deceased at the scene.
‘A woman and young girl who had also been riding in the trap were taken hospital. The young girl was confirmed deceased at hospital and the woman remains in a critical condition.
‘The pony also died at the scene.
‘The driver of the tipper, a 29-year-old man from Kent, was arrested in connection with the incident and was taken into custody.’
