Tributes paid to 'warm and caring' mother from Wolverhampton killed in plane crash

Sally Tonkinson and her husband Lewis died when their light aircraft crashed in Hampshire at the weekend.

Their six year old son George was left fighting for his life and is now recovering in hospital.

Mrs Tonkinson, aged 44 and originally from Low Hill, was known to many people in Wolverhampton as Sally Burke from her previous marriage to Alan.

The couple had two children – Hayley, aged 27, and Dan, 20 – and lived in Compton, Tettenhall Wood and Codsall until about eight years ago.

Mr Burke now lives in Australia, but his brother Gary, who runs well-known Wolverhampton removals firm Burke Bros, remained close with Mrs Tonkinson and spoke to her as recently as New Year's Day.

He paid tribute to his former sister-in-law and said: "She was a bubbly person, had a fantastic personality and was the life and soul of the party.

"She was a lovely lady, everybody liked Sally and she would do anything for anyone.

"It's such a shock for everyone. I still can't believe that it's happened.

"I woke up today thinking I dreamt it. Myself and my wife were in Belfast for New Year and they were in touch with us on New Year's Day – that was the last contact we had."

The couple lived in Alcester, Warwickshire, and were travelling from the Isle of Wight when the crash happened on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Tonkinson, 50, studied electronic engineering at the University of Warwick and was director and co-founder of Pinnacle Marketing Solutions.

His co-director Simon Flatt said: "Lewis and Sally were a hugely popular couple and their tragic and untimely loss will leave a big gap in the lives of the great many people that knew and loved them. Our thoughts are with their families and, in particular, for George's speedy recovery."

Mr Burke said the focus was now on young George.

"We're all praying that he makes a full recovery. It's such a shock for my niece Hayley, her mother was her best friend. None of this has sunk in yet."

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch is investigating the cause of the crash. It is thought weather conditions in the area had deteriorated when the plane crashed near Popham airfield. Up to 25 firefighters dealt with the incident and both Mr and Mrs Tonkinson were pronounced dead at the scene.