Four men in their 20s who were killed in 2am car crash in Huyton are pictured: Families pay tribute

Published: 17:46, 26 July 2026 | Updated: 17:59, 26 July 2026 Four young men killed in a 2am car crash after smashing into a lamppost have been pictured. Jack Diggle, 23, Benjamin Dooley, 23, Andrew Roberts, 24, and Craig Shackleton-Brady, 26, were travelling in a black Cupra Formentor in the Huyton area of Merseyside on Friday when the vehicle veered off the road. The men were pronounced dead at the scene while a fifth passenger, 27, was rushed to hospital. The families of the four men have now paid tribute - describing them as 'thoughtful', 'loving' and 'beautiful'. Mr Diggle's mother said: 'Jack was kind, quiet, thoughtful, and loving. He adored his family, and we loved him with all our hearts.  'Jack was blessed with a wonderful group of friends, many of whom had been by his side for most of his life.  'He loved playing football with them and was a proud Everton supporter. He also had a passion for darts, whether he was watching it or playing himself.' She added Mr Diggle had been due to travel to Blackpool that week to watch the darts with his friends - something he had been 'looking forward to'. Jack Diggle, 23, was killed in the crash. He died at the scene Andrew Roberts, 24, was also killed Craig Shackleton-Brady, 26, is seen here. He also died at the scene Benjamin Dooley, 23, is pictured 'Jack and I went out for a meal together on Thursday. It was such a lovely time, just mother and son, enjoying each other's company. Little did I know that it would be the last time we would spend together,' she said. Mr Dooley's mother, Kerry, said her life had been 'ripped apart' following the tragic collision. She said: 'I’m waiting for you to walk through the door and say “you ok mum” you was 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: 'Ben my little brother my one and only sibling, the one who always gave me advice and looked out for me, 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 for ever. love you my brother till we meet again.' Mr Roberts' mother, Linda, said: 'My beautiful blue-eyed boy, I can’t believe I’m having to even write this. My sweetheart boy could never do no wrong, my life will never be the same with you not here. My heart will forever be broken. I love you son, from mum.' The family of Mr Shackleton-Brady added: 'Craig was a truly well-mannered family man whose love, loyalty, and generosity touched everyone who knew him. Craig was a devoted and loving father to his two children, who were always at the centre of his world.  'His pride in being a dad shone through in everything he did, and the love he gave his family will continue to live on in their hearts forever.' A large police presence is seen at the site of the crash. The tragic incident happened at just before 2am when the black Seat Cupra came off the road and collided with lamppost in the Huyton area of Merseyside The cordoned off scene following the crash. Merseyside Police shut part of Liverpool Road while they carried out their investigation They went on to describe him as having an 'infectious laugh' and a 'way of lighting up a room'. Emergency services were called to Liverpool Road following reports the black Seat Cupra had veered off the road and crashed just before 2am. One eyewitness who lives close to the scene of the crash told the Daily Mail he woke up to 'carnage' the following morning. He said the car 'split in two' with other parts of the vehicle scattered across the road. Striking images show debris strewn across the road, with multiple forensic tents also set up in a large police cordon. The eyewitness said at the time: 'The Cupra has hit the lamppost and then landed about 200 yards away and it's split in two and shattered across the road. There's bits of the car and wheels just everywhere.' One local, Joe Smith, said: 'I slept straight through and then saw all the police this morning. I am hearing the victims are all fairly local which is shocking. 'I am a dad and I can't imagine what it must be like to lose a child in these circumstances.' A Liverpool Road shopkeeper added: 'It sounds like a night out that ended in tragedy. My thoughts are with the families. 'It's going to be so hard for them. There should be more awareness around road safety for younger drivers.' Superintendent Paul Holden said his thoughts were 'first and foremost with the families of the four men who sadly lost their lives'. He added : '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.'