Tributes paid to father and son killed after being struck by vehicle in Jersey
Laura Makin-Isherwood reports...
A father and son who were killed after being struck by a vehicle in Jersey on Saturday evening have been named.
48-year-old Dean Richard Lowe and 11-year-old Charlie Lowe had been walking towards St Clement's Church in Grouville when the incident occurred.
They were later taken to A&E where they died from their injuries.
Emergency services were called to Rue de Fauvic in Grouville just after 21:30 on Saturday (5 August).
After an extensive search, police found a white van with 'substantial' damage in St Helier and a 28 year-old man was arrested for causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop and report an RTC.
He has since been released on bail, to allow for further investigations to be carried out, and police are still appealing for any information that can assist the investigation.
Anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage filmed in the area of Rue de Fauvic between 21:00 - 21:40 is asked to call police on 01534 612612 using option 2 then option 4 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
The YES project (Youth Enquire Service) has offered their counselling services for young people affected by bereavement (0800 7350 010, or visit yes.je).
States of Jersey Police said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Dean and Charlie and we offer our sincere condolences to them at this very sad time.
The headteacher at St Clement's School, which Charlie attended, has paid tribute to "the most charismatic of pupils".
Richard Heaven said Charlie "brought laughter and joy to everyone he met.
"He showed a love for performing; he relished being on stage. He also showed particular interest in the areas of science and history.
"As a school community we are shocked and devastated by this tragic news. Our thoughts are with Charlie's and Dean's family at this time."
Dean Lowe's colleagues from the Jersey Employment Trust, where he worked for 17 years, have paid tribute to the charity's "greatest ambassador".
In a statement they said: "“We are devastated by the loss of our much-loved and respected colleague and friend, Dean Lowe, and his son, Charlie, of whom he was so proud.
“There was no one more dedicated and passionate than Dean about what he did, supporting people who have a disability or long-term health condition into work.
“It often seemed like he knew everyone in Jersey, and certainly anyone who has met him would agree he was full of life and fun.
“We send our heartfelt love and condolences to Dean’s family and friends.
"His loss will no doubt be felt right across our Island community due to the nature and dedication of the work he so passionately undertook, and he will be sadly missed by us all.”
On Twitter, Jersey's Chief Minister wrote that she was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy.
Deputy Kristina Moore said: "Dean was well known and loved by so many people for his community spirit and the passion he had for helping others.
"Dean was a proud father to Charlie, and it is always particularly shocking when a child has their life taken from them.
"My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Dean and Charlie’s family and friends".
The Bailiff of Jersey, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, has also paid tribute to the pair.
He said: “I am extremely saddened to hear of the tragic death of Dean Richard Lowe and his son Charlie.
"My thoughts, as I know the thoughts of the wider Jersey community, are with their family, friends, and colleagues and all those touched by them during their lives.
"Having myself read the countless tributes already made by islanders about Mr Lowe it is clear he was held in incredibly high regard, and he had a significant impact on the lives of so many.”
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