Newborn to be 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 Tuesday morning.

His girlfriend Sophie Hall is nine months pregnant and will be induced tomorrow.

The 20-year-old 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 multiple 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 and his mum Marie White, and dad Peter Staples, both 56.

Miss White said she still cannot believe her son is gone.

She said: “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.”

“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.”

“The baby is coming this weekend and he will be our first grandchild. It will be something happy and positive for all of us to focus on during an extremely painful and difficult time.”

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 and went on to work at a welding and fabrics company in Dinnington.

Miss White 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 man who was driving the car 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.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw any activity near the field around the time of the incident.

Contact Notts Police on 0300 300 99 99 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.