Hundreds of people wore red and black to remember one of the young men who died in the Huyton crash last month. Ben Dooley, 23, was one of four men killed in the horror crash when a black Cupra Formentor came off East Prescot Road, where it meets Liverpool Road, Huyton, and crashed into a lamppost in the early hours of July 24.
Mr Dooley, Jack Diggle, 23, Andrew Roberts, 24, and Craig Shackleton-Brady, 26, died of "multiple injuries" in the crash. Their deaths prompted an outpouring of grief and hundreds of messages in tribute and support across Merseyside, and a tree close to the scene of the crash became a shrine to remember the four men.
Final farewell at Anfield Crematorium
Liverpool fan Mr Dooley's "final farewell" was held at Anfield Crematorium this afternoon, Thursday August 27, and was attended by his family and friends. His loved ones wore red ties, rosettes and Liverpool scarves, meanwhile wreaths of red and white flowers were placed on top of a white coffin and around the hearse.
So many people turned out to remember Mr Dooley that the crematorium was too full to accommodate everyone. People sheltered from the rain under umbrellas around the entrance to the building to listen to the service.
Tributes to a 'kind heart'
Butterflies Rising Funeral Care said "there really was only one Ben", adding: "He had confidence in abundance, loved winding everyone up and hated losing at absolutely anything." They said "underneath all the banter was such a kind heart", remembering him as someone who "always wanted the very best for the people he loved".
Gym-goer Mr Dooley, who the ECHO understands was the driver of the car, was studying sports psychology at Liverpool Hope University and loved playing football, padel and darts. He also enjoyed trips abroad with his family and going to festivals with his friends. His loved ones called him the heart of the family and said he "lit up every room he was in".
Family's heartfelt words
Mr Dooley's mum Kerry said: "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."
His sister Demi added: "[It] 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."
