Dad’s ‘incredible character’ remembered by comedian after crash

A well-known comedian who fought a dad in a charity boxing match remembered him as an "incredible character" after he died in a motorbike crash.

Character comedian Troy Hawke, real name Milo McCabe, remembered dad James Huyton[1] who died after his motorbike was involved in a crash with a black Mercedes in Southport[2]. Emergency services arrived at the junction of Bispham Road and Wennington Road at around 6.50am on Thursday, October 19 but the 32-year-old dad was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a short tribute released through Merseyside Police,[3] Mr Huyton[4]'s family said: "James Anthony Huyton, known locally as Jay or Ginge, was from Southport[5]. He was a loving daddy, fiancé, son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by all[6]."

Mr Hawke revealed last night, Tuesday, November 7 on X, formerly known as Twitter[9], that he fought Mr Huyton in a charity boxing match at Fusion nightclub in March last year. He wrote: "I’m not sure if anyone remembers but in March last year I very unwisely attempted to fight a man named James Huyton at a nightclub in Liverpool[10] called Fusion.

"He was not only the better pugilist but demonstrated incredible character out of the ring and we became friends. I met his partner when he came to a show and every time we interacted I was struck by his humour, good character and unassuming self. I was devastated to learn a few weeks ago that he lost his life in a motorcycle accident, leaving behind a young daughter."

A fundraising page has been set up in Mr Huyton's memory to help raise money for his daughter Poppy. The fundraiser said: "On the 19th October 2023, we tragically lost our great friend James Huyton in a motorbike accident. James has left behind a very young daughter called Poppy. We are going to try and raise as much money as possible for her. Any donations would be massively appreciated and all funds raised will go to Poppy.

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to James' family and friends in this difficult time. We have also got three fundraising events planned, the first one being a boxing show in fusion Liverpool on November 10th. There will be an interclub boxing and Thai boxing event at the Imperial gym in Southport[11] on November 25th.

Finally there will also be a local boxing show in Southport in December time. Everyone who knows James is more than welcome to attend all three of these."

The driver stopped at the scene and assisted the police with enquiries. Merseyside Police[12] is still appealing for any information to assist the ongoing investigation[13]. Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit[14] said: "Our thoughts remain with James’ family and friends following this tragic incident. Any road death causes a huge amount of heartache to family and friends left behind.

"My team will work relentlessly to get answers for James’ family, who continue to be supported by specialist officers. The help of the public is paramount to assist in our investigation and I would ask anyone who has not yet made contact with my investigation team, who witnessed this collision or who has any information to please contact us.

"Alternatively, if you were driving in the area at the time of the crash, I ask that you please check your dashcam footage in case you have captured something which will assist in the investigation. Every piece of information or footage could be vital in establishing what happened.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call our Matrix Roads Policing Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email [email protected], or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter[15] quoting reference 23001026988. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

You can donate to the fundraiser here.[16]

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here[17].

References

  1. ^ Huyton (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  2. ^ Southport (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  3. ^ Merseyside Police, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  4. ^ Huyton (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  5. ^ Southport (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  6. ^ He was a loving daddy, fiancé, son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by all (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  7. ^ Man, in his 30s, taken to hospital after being shot in Speke (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  8. ^ Ashley Dale murder trial as it happens (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  9. ^ Twitter (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  10. ^ Liverpool (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  11. ^ Southport (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  12. ^ Merseyside Police (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  13. ^ any information to assist the ongoing investigation (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  14. ^ Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  15. ^ Twitter (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
  16. ^ here (www.gofundme.com)
  17. ^ Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)

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