Family tributes to Brandon Valentine killed in Seacombe crash

Brandon Valentine, who was also known as 'Valo' and from Rock Ferry, died at the scene of the collision involving a HGV truck and a cyclist at Tower Road and Birkenhead Road roundabout last Tuesday morning (October 29).

An investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident continues.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving. He has been released under investigation.

Paying tribute, Mr Valentine's girlfriend, Poppy Vernon, mum of the couple's three-year-old son Carter, told the Globe: "We knew each other for years, but finally reconnected in 2019. We always said it felt like we knew each other forever.

"He only wanted the best for me from the very beginning. Then we had Carter and you could tell he was so excited to be a dad he would research everything to make sure it’s safe what foods I should eat while pregnant.

"He even learned how to do the formula milk measurements before me when Carter was born."

Brandon Valentine from Rock Ferry, pictured with his son Carter and partner Poppy Vernon, died at the scene of a crash at Tower Road and Birkenhead Road roundabout on the morning of Tuesday, October 29 (Image: Poppy Vernon) Miss Vernon continued: "He took care of us before himself. I will be forever grateful of how much of an amazing dad he was.

"He just wanted to do life the right way and make money for our little boy Carter. He made everything better. He was a 'family man' is what everyone would say and a true gentlemen." 

Remembering Mr Valentine on his birthday, Poppy continued: "Happy birthday Bran, thank you for being you. You were the most perfect man.

"I will never forget to tell our boy how great you were to him and even though you should be here now and it hurts so bad you'll give me strength to hold my head high for our little Carter and at any given chance I’ll speak your name for the rest of this lifetime.

"Every memory we had I’ll cherish and hold close to me. 

"We were supposed to have more babies and get married, do this life together. It's still the little things like sharing our cuppas that hurts - never one each - we just shared a mug like everything in life we did. We were best friends. 

"I’ve got to remember that you being taken away from us so out of the blue won't take our happy memories too. We were still in love.

"You were the best thing to happen to me Bran. We were soulmates. We will see each other again but for now you rest peacefully baby.

"Me and your Carter-James are going to say goodnight and god bless. We love you forever and always. I'll see you on the other side so wait for me with open arms my Bran."

Mr Valentine's brother Damien said: "When people talk about their siblings growing up, you hear of them at each others throats, fighting and teasing each other but for whatever reason we had none of that - we got along great.

"I don't think we a had a single argument. You would ask for the same presents as me for Christmas and sit in my room with me all time. My memories of you as a teenager were of you always out on your bike or scooter with your mates.

"You were a great uncle to Rose and Alfie and I couldn't be more proud of how you turned your life around when you became a dad. I know mum and dad would have felt the same. I thought we'd always be there for each other; it'll never be the same without you. I can't believe you're gone. Love you forever, bro."

Mr Valentine's grandmother Hazel Woodward said: "My lovely kind caring grandson thought the world of Poppy and his little boy Carter, they were his life. 

"We are all so proud to have had him in our lives and broken-hearted at his loss. 

"We will miss him so much, our lives won't be the same without him.  Goodnight God Bless Bran, we love you." 

An investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident continues.

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, Lead Investigating Officer for the MATRIX Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with Brandon’s family at this difficult time and our specialist officers are supporting them.

“We are continuing to investigate the collision and the events leading up to it. I urge anyone who witnessed or has information on this incident which will assist the investigation to please contact us.

“I ask motorists in the vicinity at that time to please check your dashcam footage to see if it has captured anything which could assist our inquiries.

“Every piece information or footage could be vital in establishing what happened and provide his family with answers."

Anyone who witnessed the collision or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact SCIU on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk quoting reference 24000917960.

Alternatively DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,