A devoted Co-op worker was reportedly on her way to work when she was killed in a tragic crash on the M62.
Paula Heaney died at the scene in the early hours of Thursday morning when she was involved in a pile up between junction 5 at Roby and Junction 6 at Tarbock Island.
Emergency services were called to the motorway crash, that involved four vehicles, shortly before 6am but were unable to save Paula.
The 57-year-old, originally from St Helens, is believed to have been travelling from her home in Anfield to her shop on Elephant Lane in Thatto Heath.
After her death was confirmed by Merseyside Police, tributes to Paula flooded social media showing how popular and well thought of she was.
Customers of the store described her as "one of a kind" and "great to chat to" after over 20 years in the shop.
Floral tributes to Paula have also been left outside the doors of the shop by many of those who knew her.
On Facebook, Audrey Corden said: "It’s so sad, Paula Was definitely a one off.
"Going to miss our chats.
"The Co-op just won’t be the same."
Jacqueline Fishwick said: "RIP Paula, a lovely lady, would have been on her way to work to open up, as she has done for many years.
"She will be sorely missed and heartfelt condolences to her brother and sister, whom she meant so much to."
Carol Hill also said: "RIP Paula you will be sadly missed.
"We were like one big family when we all worked at Nevins.
"Still can’t believe it, fly high Angel."
Other friends of Paula's posted tributes to explain how well known she was in the community in Thatto Heath.
Janet Leicester said: "Can’t get my head around this.
"She has been apart of our community as long as I can remember.
"RIP lovely lady we will never forget you. Always the the friendliest person ever."
Paula's family have also thanked the public for the comments and tributes that have been posted about her.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police confirmed they were being supported by specially trained officers.
The force said: "Merseyside Police are today, Friday 29 January, continuing to appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision on the M62 yesterday (Thursday).
"At around 5.45am a multi vehicle road traffic collision occurred on the Eastbound/Manchester bound carriageway of the motorway.
"This happened between junction 5 at Roby and Junction 6 at Tarbock Island. Sadly the female driver of one of the vehicles was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The female has been named as 57 year-old Paula Heaney from the Anfield area, but who was originally from St Helens town centre.
"The family would like to thank people for their thoughts and kind words and ask that their privacy is respected at this time.
"They are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers."
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Constable Andy Roper, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “We are keen to speak to anyone using that route in the time leading up to the collision and especially to anyone who may have a dashcam fitted to their vehicle.
“Even if you do not believe it has captured the collision itself, we would be interested in footage capturing the area in the build up to events unfolding.
"We ask people employed and driving company or work vehicles – such as HGV, taxi and fleet drivers to consider whether their vehicle may have captured any footage.
"If you were using the M62 in either direction between 5.35am until 6am and have footage or information, please contact us on 0151 777 5747 or email rpiu@merseyside.police.uk and quote reference 21000058743 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
