Heartbroken family's tribute to NHS worker killed in crash 6 days after retiring

29 December 2023 , 23:05

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She was described by her family as a "kind and compassionate wife of 49 years" (Image: Staffordshire Police)

A family has paid tribute to a "kind" and "compassionate" woman killed in a crash just days after retiring.

Former NHS worker Helen Kilch was in the passenger seat when the Kia she was travelling in collided with a black BMW on December 21. The accident occurred on near the M6 toll entrance in Staffordshire, with the 67-year-old pronounced dead at the scene.

She was described by her family as a "kind and compassionate wife of 49 years." In a statement, they said: "A sister to four, mother of two, grandmother of four and dear friend to many. Helen worked for the NHS for over 25 years and retired only six days before her untimely death. She greatly enjoyed singing and was chair of the Lichfield Kaleidoscope Choir. She was taken too soon and is missed so dearly."

The driver in the car with Mrs Klich, a 70-year-old man, was taken to hospital following the collision but has since been discharged. A 32-year-old man from Cannock, thought to be the driver of the BMW, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has since been bailed while enquiries continue. Mrs Klich's family continue to be supported by specially-trained officers, police said.

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StokeonTrent Live reported that a Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "Collision investigators are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or those with CCTV or dashcam footage of both cars leading up to the incident. "

"The collision happened between the M6 Toll entrance roundabout and the Turf roundabout, on the eastbound carriageway of the A5, Watling Street. If you’ve got any information that can help, call us on 101, quoting incident 898 of 21 December, or message us using Live Chat on our website. You can also get in touch with the collision investigators directly by emailing [email protected]"

Jonathan Blackburn