Gordon Mills, 67, and his wife Helen Mills, 65, residents of Spalding in Lincolnshire, tragically lost their lives in a devastating car crash on the A79 motorway in Diou, France. The incident occurred on 16 September 2024, as the couple were heading to their holiday home in Mount Blanc. The inquest, conducted at the Myle Cross Centre in Lincoln, revealed that the cause leading to the loss of control of their classic Ronart W152 open-top car couldn’t be determined. Their vehicle made a catastrophic collision with a barrier, tragically ending their lives instantly. The court noted that Mr Mills was driving within the speed limit, and no issues were found in the toxicology report. Witnesses recalled seeing the couple at a service station prior to the incident, with no outward signs of impending disaster.
Gordon and Helen leave behind four children and three grandchildren. Their profound loss is felt by their children, Sophia and Patrick Mills. ‘Our dad was a wonderful, loving father and grandfather. We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of our dad and stepmum,’ they expressed. Gordon, a native of Long Sutton, was an active man, enjoying squash, windsurfing, sailing and was an avid traveller. His passion for cars, especially driving them, was a significant part of his life.
Gordon, founder of Lincs Home Condition Reports in 2005, was a respected figure in the local business community. The company, which offers surveys for property buyers, paid tribute to the couple, stating they were ‘close personal friends for many years and will be greatly missed’. Sophia described her father as a ‘kind and caring man with a strong sense of duty’, always ready to lend a hand to those in need.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
