A brewery has issued a moving statement in tribute to one of its East Lancashire pub managers, and mother-of-one, who died following a crash on the M65 last week.

Victoria Goodwin was travelling along the M65 in a Peugeot 208 with another adult and a child, thought to be her partner and daughter, on Wednesday, March 13, when the car was in a crash with three other vehicles.

The 32-year-old, believed to originally be from Oldham, was taken to hospital but died from injuries sustained in the crash on Thursday, March 14.

Victoria was pub manager for the Black Dog at Belmont, and on Monday (March 18), the pub’s brewery, joseph Holt, issued the following statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sad news of our wonderful pub manager, Victoria Goodwin, who on March 14, passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic car accident.

“The entire Joseph Holt family is deeply saddened by this devastating loss. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with Nik, Poppy and both families during this incredibly difficult time.

“Our thoughts are also with all the staff at the Black Dog. We kindly request that their privacy is respected as they navigate through this challenging period.

“Victoria’s passing is a great loss to everyone, she will be sadly missed by all her friends, family and anyone who knew her.”

Police were called shortly after 7pm on Wednesday (March 13) following a report of a crash between three vehicles on the Eastbound carriageway of the M65 between junctions two and three.

It is believed a Peugeot 208, in which Victoria was an occupant, overtook a Mercedes-Benz Atego HGV before losing control and crashing with the barrier. It then re-entered the carriageway and crashed with a number of other vehicles.

The driver of the Peugeot, a man in his 40s, and a child passenger, suffered less serious injuries.

The occupants of the other vehicles were uninjured.

Following Victoria’s death, her family issued the following statement: “It is a great sadness we have to announce that our loving daughter Victoria Goodwin passed away on March 14, due to injuries sustained in a car accident.

“She was a shining light in all our lives, a talented singer and musician and will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.”

Sgt Phil Baxendale, of the Specialist Operations Road Policing Unit, said: “Very sadly this collision has now resulted in Victoria losing her life and I would continue to appeal for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police, or anyone with dashcam footage, to come forward and speak to us.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 1217 of March 13 or email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk