Elderly Woman’s Life Support to Be Withdrawn After Van Crash Horror
A 70-something woman hit by a reversing van in Melksham is set to have her life support switched off this Thursday. Cheryl Decarteret and her lifelong friend Margaret Shaw were struck at around 1.30pm last Saturday (September 27) while crossing Lowbourne.
Police initially described their injuries as serious but not life-threatening. Tragically, both women’s conditions have deteriorated sharply. Cheryl’s family say she will not recover.
Heartbroken Family Faces Final Goodbye
Cheryl’s daughter, Hayley Charman Decarteret, told Wiltshire 999s: “My family are absolutely heartbroken. Tomorrow will be the last time we see or speak to her. No more birthdays, no more Christmases.”
Cheryl was a much-loved Melksham local, leaving a “massive void” in the community, Hayley added. Margaret, Cheryl’s friend for 60 years, remains in critical condition in hospital.
Police Hopeful Witnesses Will Step Forward
Hayley is urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward. “If you know anything, no matter how small, please be brave enough to speak up.”
A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and dangerous driving but has since been released on bail. Wiltshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT) is actively seeking witnesses and any dashcam footage.
“This is a really serious incident,” said PC Leigh Mayhew. “Two elderly women are fighting for their lives. We want to speak to anyone who saw what happened or has CCTV or dashcam footage. Please come forward.”
Contact SCIT on 01225 694597, quoting log number 141 of September 27.
