Baby named after crash victim dad

Ross Staples, 25, of Burrs Lane, Gildingwells, died following a crash in a field in Styrrup in the early hours of 13th September.

His girlfriend Sophie Hall, 20, was nine months pregnant and was induced on Saturday 17th September.

Speaking before the birth, she said: “Ross loved children and was really excited for the baby to come along. We found out I’m having a boy a while ago and it seems right that I name the baby after his father, who already loved him very much.”

Ross suffered serious injuries in the crash and was taken to Bassetlaw Hospital in Worksop, where he was pronounced dead.

It is believed Ross and three other men were in a Subaru Forester hunting rabbits with dogs when they lost control of the car.

Ross lived in Gildingwells with Sophie, his mum Marie White, and dad Peter Staples. Miss White said she still can’t believe her son is gone.

“We are in shock and it’s still not sunk in - I’ve read about it in the paper but it’s like I’m reading about someone else,” she said.

“We have had a huge amount of support from family and friends and they have helped us get through this. The amount of people who have come to see us over the last few days shows just how much Ross was loved.”

Miss White said Ross loved the outdoors and would explore the nearby countryside with his dogs and his horses for hours on end.

She added: “Ross was carefree and very laid back. He was a kind and caring person who will be missed by everyone who knew him.”

Ross, who has two half sisters, was educated at Woodsetts Primary School and Dinnington Comprehensive School before going on to work at a welding company in Dinnington.

She added: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported us since Ross died.

Neighbours, family and friends have been fantastic and we could not have got through this without them.”

Three other men were inside the car at the time of the crash. The 22-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries. The other two men were arrested but have since been released without charge.

Anyone who saw anything near the field around the time of the incident should call Notts Police on 0300 300 99 99 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.