The heartbroken families of four young friends killed in a crash after their car ploughed into a lamppost have spoken of their pain.
Jack Diggle, 23, Benjamin Dooley, 23, Andrew Roberts, 24, and Craig Shackleton-Brady, 26, died at the scene after a black Cupra Formentor left the road on Liverpool Road in Huyton on Friday, July 24.
Their families have now shared emotional tributes remembering the men they loved.
Jack’s family described him as ‘kind, quiet, thoughtful and loving’ who ‘adored his family’.
A lifelong Everton fan, Jack loved football, darts and spending time with friends. He had been due to travel to Blackpool to watch the darts with them on Sunday.
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His mum said: ‘Jack and I went out for a meal together on Thursday. It was such a lovely time, just mother and son. Little did I know it would be the last time we would spend together.
‘Our Jack, our gentle giant, we love you beyond words and will love you forever. Rest peacefully, son.’
Benjamin’s mum Kerry called him ‘my son, my world, my best friend’.
She added: ‘My life is ripped apart. I’m waiting for you to walk through the door and say, “You OK, Mum?” You were the kindest person I knew with a heart of gold. Fly high my baby boy. I love you.’
His sister Demi said she had lost not only her brother but ‘the one who always gave me advice and looked out for me’.
Andrew’s family said they were ‘at a complete loss for words’, describing him as a kind-hearted man loved by so many.
His mum Linda paid tribute to her ‘beautiful blue-eyed boy’, saying: ‘My life will never be the same with you not here. My heart will forever be broken.’
His partner Kiera added: ‘My Andrew, my best friend. You were my whole life, and I don’t know how I’m going to cope without you.’
Craig’s family remembered him as ‘a truly well-mannered family man’ and a devoted father to his two children.
They said he was known for his ‘infectious laugh, generous nature and unwavering love for his family’. A proud Liverpool supporter, he also enjoyed darts and cage fighting.
His family said: ‘Above all, Craig will be remembered for his kind heart, his devotion to his family, and the joy he brought to others.’
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
Police said a black Seat Cupra heading from Liverpool towards Knowsley came off the road after colliding with a lamppost.
Another passenger, a 27-year-old man, was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
People living close to the scene have spoken about hearing a large bang a around 1.45am.
One woman told the Liverpool Echo: ‘I was still awake, the bang was so loud I thought a lorry had overturned. I looked outside my window and there was smoke everywhere.’
Other people described walking towards the scene but swifly being told to stay away by police.
Superintendent Paul Holden said: ‘First and foremost our thoughts are with the family of the four men who sadly lost their lives following the collision in the early hours of this morning.
‘Their families have been informed and are being supported by our specially trained family liaison officers.
‘This is a truly devastating moment for their families and loved ones, and it is now our priority to get answers for them on how the collision occurred.
‘We know this happened very early this morning, but if anyone saw what happened or were driving through the area just before the incident occurred then please get in touch.
‘Similarly, if you live in the area and have doorbell footage of the black Seat Cupra or the incident itself, please contact us.
‘You may have information or footage that would be useful to our investigation.’
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