A Kirkby family is left shattered after a “wonderful” father and husband was tragically killed when his car left the M57 and burst into flames. Lee Morton, 60, had spent his final hours enjoying a round of golf, one of his greatest passions, before the fatal incident that has led to a man being charged with causing his death.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Morton, 60, from Kirkby, was pronounced dead at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on the M57 northbound on September 10.
- His family has released powerful tributes, describing him as a “source of joy, laughter, and kindness” and a devoted father.
- John Butler, 31, also from Kirkby, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the incident.
- Merseyside Police are urgently appealing for dashcam footage, particularly mentioning a dark-coloured VW Golf GTi believed to be involved in a prior incident.
A Family's Unimaginable Loss
The family of Lee Morton is grappling with an immense loss, remembering a man who was the centre of their world. In a poignant tribute, his wife Marie described him as not just her husband, but her soulmate and the love of her life.
“To his family and friends, he was a source of joy, laughter, and kindness,” Marie shared. “There is comfort in knowing his last hours were spent doing something he truly loved.”
She highlighted his deep love for his daughters, who he considered his “pride and joy,” and the palpable absence felt by the family dog, Enzo, who still waits by the window for him to return. “He was cherished beyond words by me, by his family, by his friends, by Enzo, and most of all by his girls,” she added. “Oceans of time my love.”
A Passionate Golfer and Music Lover
According to his family, Lee Morton was an avid golfer who had spent the morning of his death on the course surrounded by friends. His children also fondly recalled listening to his favourite bands—Dire Straits, Eagles, David Bowie, and ELO—with him in the garden, painting a picture of cherished family moments.
'Our Hearts Are Broken into a Million Pieces'
The pain of his children is evident in their own tribute, a heartbreaking message to their “wonderful dad.” They promised to care for his “best friend Enzo” and shared memories of their shared passions.
“Our hearts are broken into a million pieces,” they wrote. “Going to miss listening to Dire Straits, Eagles, David Bowie and ELO with you in the garden so much. Up the Reds!!! I know you will be keeping a close eye on them from up there dad.”
Their message concluded with a simple, devastating farewell: “We will love and miss you forever, Rest in paradise dad. Love your girls and Enzo xxx”
Investigation and Charges Filed
The tragic incident unfolded at approximately 3:04 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, on the northbound carriageway of the M57, near junctions 2 and 3. Emergency services were dispatched following reports that a black Audi A5 had veered off the motorway and caught fire.
Despite the rapid response, Mr. Morton was pronounced dead at the scene. The subsequent investigation by Merseyside Police led to charges being brought against 31-year-old John Butler of Shaftesbury Avenue, Kirkby.
Legal Proceedings
John Butler faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, October 10.
Urgent Police Appeal for Witnesses
As the case moves through the courts, detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to build a comprehensive picture of the events leading up to the crash. They have issued a direct and urgent appeal for public assistance, specifically for dashcam footage from the area at the time.
Investigators believe another vehicle was involved in an incident with the Audi A5 shortly before it left the road. They are particularly interested in the movements of a dark-coloured, 63-plate Volkswagen Golf GTi.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police emphasized the importance of any potential evidence, stating, “If you were travelling on the M57 on this day and have dashcam, please get in touch as a matter of urgency. We do not expect you to review the footage, just contact us as soon as possible and we will review your footage.”
How to Provide Information
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant dashcam footage is urged to contact the authorities immediately. You can reach the Serious Collision Investigation Unit directly in several ways:
- Phone: (0151) 777 5747
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Direct message @MerPolCC on X (formerly Twitter).
When providing information, please quote the reference number 25000750601 to ensure it is directed to the correct investigation team.