Lee Morton’s family said he was “cherished beyond words”
12:58, 15 Sep 2025Updated 15:12, 15 Sep 2025
Lee Morton from Kirkby (Image: Merseyside Police )
The family of a “wonderful” dad who died following a crash on the M57 have paid a heartbreaking tribute to him. Emergency services were called to the motorway at around 3.04pm on Wednesday, September 10.
It followed a report that a black Audi A5 had left the motorway and caught fire on the northbound carriageway close to junction 2 and 3. Tragically, Lee Morton, from Kirkby, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 60-year-old’s wife and children have since issued a tribute, describing Lee as a “source of joy, laughter and kindness”. Lee had also been playing golf the day he died, which his family said was one of his passions.
In a tribute, his wife said: “For my beloved husband, Lee, to me, he was my soulmate and the love of my life. To his family and friends, he was a source of joy, laughter, and kindness.
“One of his great passions was golf and on the day we lost him he had spent the morning doing exactly that, out on the course, happy and surrounded by friends. There is comfort in knowing his last hours were spent doing something he truly loved.
“Above all, he was a dad to his girls who were his pride and joy. He loved them with his whole heart and they will carry his love with them always. His little buddy Enzo his dog, who has been waiting by the window for you to come home.
“He was cherished beyond words by me, by his family, by his friends, by Enzo, and most of all by his girls. Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful to have loved him and to have been loved by him. Oceans of time my love. Your Marie xxx”
Lee Morton from Kirkby (Image: Merseyside Police )
Lee’s children said in a tribute: “Our wonderful dad, we love you so much, our hearts are broken into a million pieces. We will look after your best friend Enzo for you we promise. I hope you can play golf up there dad.
“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 keeping a close eye on them from up there dad. We will love and miss you forever, Rest in paradise dad. Love your girls and Enzo xxx”
John Butler, 31, of Shaftesbury Avenue, in Kirkby, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving. He has been remanded and due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, October 10.
Merseyside Police said officers are still appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation. A spokesperson added it’s believed there was an incident prior to the crash involving a dark coloured, 63 plate VW Golf GTi.
A spokesperson for the force said: “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.
“Please DM @MerPolCC, contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk quoting reference number 25000750601.”