A night out with friends turned into an unimaginable tragedy for four young men who were supposed to be heading to a darts tournament this weekend—instead, their families are left planning funerals and clinging to last conversations.
Jack Diggle, 23, Benjamin Dooley, 23, Andrew Roberts, 24, and Craig Shackleton-Brady, 26, died early Friday morning when the black Cupra Formentor they were riding in slammed into a lamppost on Liverpool Road in Huyton. The crash happened around 1:45 a. m.
, and neighbors reported hearing a deafening bang. A fifth man, age 27, remains in stable condition at the hospital.
The four friends shared a deep love for darts and had planned to travel together to watch the sport in Blackpool on Sunday.
Jack, an Everton fan who lived for football and quality time with his crew, had just enjoyed a dinner with his mother Thursday night. She described him as her “gentle giant,” saying, “Little did I know it would be the last time we would spend together.”
Benjamin’s mom, Kerry, called him “my son, my world, my best friend,” adding that her life is “ripped apart” and she keeps waiting for him to walk through the door. His sister Demi said she lost not just a brother but the person who always looked out for her.
Andrew’s mother, Linda, remembered him as her “beautiful blue-eyed boy” whose absence has left her heart forever broken. His partner, Kiera, called him her whole world and admitted she doesn’t know how to go on without him.
Craig, a devoted dad of two and a cage fighting fan, was remembered by his family for his infectious laugh and generous, well-mannered nature. They said above all, he will be remembered for his kind heart and unwavering love.
Police are still investigating the cause of the collision. Superintendent Paul Holden called it a “truly devastating moment” and said officers are working to get answers for the grieving families.
As the community reels from the loss of four young lives, one question lingers—what exactly happened in those final moments before the car veered off the road?
