A grieving father has delivered a profoundly moving tribute to his two "extraordinary" young sons who lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision near the Lincolnshire coast.
Father's Heartbreaking Statement
Laurie Ellis has publicly shared his emotional tribute for his sons, Mason Ellis, aged six, and Louie Ellis, aged eight, describing them as "two extraordinary boys whose love, laughter, and spirit filled every space they were in." The boys were tragically killed in October 2023 when the car they were travelling in with their mother, Amy Sheppard, near Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire, lost control and collided with an oncoming vehicle.
Remembering Louie's Joy and Dreams
In his tribute, Laurie Ellis painted a vivid picture of his eldest son's vibrant personality. "Louie had a heart full of joy and determination," he said. The eight-year-old was a passionate football enthusiast who loved playing every weekend with his father and uncle, regardless of the weather conditions. A devoted Liverpool FC supporter, he would cheer on the team and harboured dreams of one day becoming a professional footballer, aspiring to emulate his hero, Mo Salah.
When not on the football pitch, Louie enjoyed playing on his games consoles or baking cookies with his brothers and stepmother, Charlotte. "He adored spending time playing with his stepsisters and brother, always welcoming everyone with kindness and enthusiasm," Laurie recalled. "Louie had a way of making people feel included, loved, and valued."
Mason's Imaginative World
Laurie described his younger son Mason's world as being "fuelled by imagination and creativity." The six-year-old was a huge fan of Mario and had a remarkable ability to turn everyday moments into grand adventures. He would create games inspired by Mario Kart that brought him "endless fun and laughter," according to his father.
Mason also cherished spending time on his father's gaming computer and particularly valued special quiet moments with his grandfather. "He would sit on his knee and watch him make wooden toys," Laurie explained. "Those moments, filled with love, patience, and gentle laughter, meant the world to him."
Family Bonds and Shared Love
In his statement, Laurie highlighted how both boys enjoyed outings with their grandmother and aunt Olivia, including visits to Adventure Land. He also spoke touchingly about their relationship with their younger brother. "Both Louie and Mason shared a deep love for their little brother," Laurie said. "They were the very best big brothers - protective, caring, and endlessly proud of him. He wanted to be just like his bigger brothers, following in their footsteps and looking up to them with pure admiration and love."
A Legacy of Beautiful Souls
Laurie Ellis described his sons as having "the most beautiful souls," noting that "their kindness, warmth, and laughter drew people to them, and everyone who knew them adored them." He spoke of how his whole family "adored them deeply and looked forward to weekends with them - weekends filled with noise, fun, love, and togetherness that meant more than words can say."
"As their dad, my love for Louie and Mason is endless and unconditional," he expressed. "They were my world, my heart, my everything. Losing them has left two enormous holes in my heart - holes that will never be filled. Their loss has deeply impacted our family's lives, and nothing will ever be the same without them."
An Enduring Memory
The heartbroken father concluded his tribute with a powerful promise of remembrance. He said his children "will always be deeply loved, forever missed, and never forgotten." Laurie added: "Their laughter, their bond, and their beautiful souls will live on forever in my heart and in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to know them."
The boys' mother, Amy Sheppard, was handed a 20-month suspended sentence at Lincoln Crown Court in December 2025. Judge James House KC stated that the "ability to exercise mercy" was part of his judicial function when delivering the sentence.
