Family and friends have spoken of their devastation after a much-loved woman was one of two people who died in a crash when a car entered a water-filled ditch.
Ilze Dobele, 46, of New Road, Spalding, was on her way home from work when the car she was in entered a ditch at around 7.15am on Friday, October 13.
She was a backseat passenger in the Silver Mazda 6 along with Ingrida Dudeniene, 47, of Spring Gardens, Spalding, who also died in the crash near Ramsey in Peterborough.
Ilze’s daughters’ Ieva and Marta described their mum as an inspiration and said they have many fond memories of her visit to see them in the summer.
Ilze lived in shared accommodation with her partner of five years, Arturs Kotlers, renting from PPM Lincs Ltd in Spalding.
Manager Judy Flynn was devastated to hear of her death.
She said: “I have spoke with the family and they are absolutely devastated.
“Ilze was a friendly and hardworking woman. She was on her way home work when the tragedy happened. Arturs is heartbroken, he has been crying non-stop.
“Ilze’s mum spent her life savings sending her daughters over here from their country. What’s really sad is they have no money to fly her home.”
She said: “Her daughters are very proud of her and the courage she had to come to the UK to earn money.
“To see them all so devastated is very upsetting.
“The last time I saw Ilze she was so happy as she had been to see her daughters. She was in a really good place.”
Mrs Flynn has set up a crowdfunding page to raise £3,000 to have Ilze’s body repatriated back to Latvia.
She added: “If people will just donate £1 each it would help. The family have been overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and support at this very difficult time.
“I think they are hoping to take Ilze home in the next three weeks if they can afford to do so.”
Following the tragedy, the driver of the Mazda , Ionut-Cosmin Curut, 21, of Sutton Road in Spalding, was charged with two counts of causing death by careless driving.
He appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, October 14 and was remanded in custody to appear at Peterborough Crown Court on November 10.
So far £90 has been raised. To make a donation click here.
