Four men killed in Huyton crash as family says ‘life is ripped apart’ in emotional tribute

A grieving family have paid tribute to their “cherished” son and brother after he was killed in a crash in Huyton.

Ben Dooley, 23, was among four young men who died when a black Cupra collided with a lamppost on Liverpool Road, Merseyside, in the early hours of Friday (July 24). Police were alerted shortly before 2am and confirmed that all four occupants, aged in their twenties, were pronounced dead at the scene.

A fifth man, 27, survived the impact and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition. Mr Dooley’s sister said the sports psychology student, who loved football, padel and darts, was devoted to his family and friends and relished travelling and attending festivals, the Echo reports.

A dedicated gym-goer who took pride in his wellbeing, he was described as caring and someone who “lit up every room he was in”. In a deeply moving tribute, Ben’s mother Kerry said: “My son, my world, my best friend. It was me and you always. My life is ripped apart and I don’t know how I will do life without you. We did everything together.

“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. Do anything for anyone. Loved by everyone who met you. I can’t describe how much I will miss you, it hurts so much. Fly high my baby boy. I love you.”

Ben’s sister Demi paid a heartfelt tribute, saying: “Ben my little brother, my one and only sibling, the one who always gave me advice and looked out for me, the most caring, kindest person in the world , my heart is broken.

“Feels like a terrible dream, I miss you so much already, the laughs we had and all the memories I will cherish forever. Love you my brother till we meet again.”

Ben’s friends Mikee and all the lads, Gannon, Butties, Browne, Duffy, Hayes, Toz, Platt, Swale, Smith, Bathgate, Rooke, Morley, Hampson, Mullally, Tyrer, Gormo, Macca, Shay, Soffe, honoured the man they called brother, writing: “To my other half, my best friend, I can’t understand how things like this can happen to the best people. They say God only takes the best and to me and many many others you are the best of the best.

“I’ve spent every day of my life with you and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done. You will always be my brother and nothing will ever change that. I love you beyond words can describe mate, you’re a once in a lifetime person. I was just so lucky for you to land in my life.

“I’d rely on you for absolutely everything you were there no matter what the problem is, I always knew you had my back and that’s a rare friendship to have I’ll never forget that you will live on with me and everyone who was lucky enough to have an encounter with you. Until we meet again brother you save me a seat right next you lad I love you to absolute bits Dooley.”

Demi described Ben as the heart of the family, which comprised Roy, nephew Frankie, nan and grandad, nan Lorraine, uncle Kev, Deana, Georgia, Lucas and younger brother and sister Shay and Chloe.

Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source.