THE family of a man who was killed in a tragic car crash has been "overwhelmed with the shower of love" people have shown them.
At around 10.30pm on Monday, June 10, a white Ford Kuga travelling along Southworth Road in Newton-le-Willows left the road and collided with a tree, close to the junction of Mere Road.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 35-year-man died at the scene, who has since been formally identified as Johnathan Mennell, from Lowton.
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Following the tragedy, his family issued a heartbreaking tribute, describing him as someone who made everyone laugh and smile.
The tribute read: "As a family we are deeply saddened and shocked to hear our lovely Jonny, has passed away.
"Beloved Son, Father, Brother, Nephew, Cousin and Friend to all.
"Anyone that knew Jonny will be devastated by this news, as all he did was make people laugh and smile.
"He will be forever missed, may he now rest in peace."
Family, friends, and those who knew Johnathon have reached out to the Mennell family in recent days to show their support and pass on their condolences.
A Go Fund Me page set up by the family to help with funeral costs has also raised more than £4,500.
A statement on the fundraising page reads: "I'd like to begin with thanking everybody who has sent their heartfelt condolences, we have been so overwhelmed with the shower of love you have shown us all and we are so very appreciative of all of you.
"As you can imagine we could never have predicted such a sudden loss and as a family we would want our brother to have the send off that he deserves.
"Any contribution, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.
"Once again we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support."
Following enquiries into the accident, police do not believe that any other vehicles were involved.
A second man, in his 30s, was also injured, while a 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
Detective Sergeant Andy Roper from the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the man who sadly passed away.
“Enquiries are in the very early stages as we seek to establish what has taken place and we were appealing for any motorists who were driving in the area of Southwood Road who think they captured anything on their dash cam to contact us.
“Investigation work is ongoing and I would like to thank motorists and those living locally for their patience while this important work is being carried out.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any dashcam footage of the collision is asked to call Merseyside Police's Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 24000517191.
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