Tributes have poured in for the "extraordinary" writer and campaigner Dan Kay after he died suddenly.
Dan Kay, 45, worked tirelessly on behalf of families and survivors of the Hillsborough disaster, and was honorary secretary of Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation at Princes Road Synagogue. He previously worked at The ECHO and pioneered digital journalism in the newsroom as well as helping lead this newspaper's coverage of the Hillsborough legal proceedings.
He was more recently a regular contributor to the ECHO's sports team, sharing his deep love of Liverpool FC and its history with readers. Dan worked with the late Anne Williams' daughter Sara to co-write With Hope In Her Heart, a powerful account of the late Anne's fight for justice for her son Kevin, 15, and the other Liverpool supporters unlawfully killed at Hillsborough.
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Throughout his life he was a champion for social justice and those in need. Among Dan's many achievements as a journalist was running the ECHO's live coverage of the fresh Hillsborough inquests, which concluded that those who died on April 15, 1989 were unlawfully killed.
Dan also worked meticulously to compile individual tributes to those who lost their lives, spending time with many of the families affected over the years and campaigning passionately on their behalf.
He produced a visual tribute 97 Candles Burn Bright, a lasting memorial to the 97.
Liverpool ECHO editor Maria Breslin said: "Everyone at the Echo is devastated by the loss of Dan. He was the most humble, kind and gentle man and, despite his modesty, a really good journalist. I worked with Dan closely for many years and he taught me so much.
"Dan had an encyclopaedic knowledge of Liverpool FC and his nostalgia-inspired reads were much loved by our audience. He also had a keen sense of justice and took the lead on much of our Hillsborough coverage. We couldn’t have wished for a more passionate or knowledgeable reporter to cover a story of such importance.
"Dan achieved so much in his life and will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts today are with his family and very many friends."
Liverpool ECHO head of football Joe Rimmer said: "Dan was an extraordinary person who touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to have worked with him. His love for this city was unmatched. Dan was Scouse and proud, and he championed this place like no other.
"He was a sports fanatic and his love for all three football clubs, Everton, Tranmere and his beloved Liverpool, was unrivalled. And that shone through in his writing.
"He was known for his knowledge and ability to recall even the smallest details of any game, player or event in LFC history. Dan worked tirelessly with the Hillsborough families and his work here, often behind the scenes, was so important in their campaign for justice.
"He was generous and kind to all who crossed paths with him. He was just such a lovely man and he will be missed dearly by his colleagues and friends."
Since the tragic news of Dan's death thousands of people have paid tribute to him online including Liverpool FC, The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance and hundreds of family, friends, colleagues and interviewees.
Liverpool FC said: "Everyone at LFC is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Dan Kay. A much respected journalist who was well known to many at the club, tireless Hillsborough campaigner and lifelong Liverpool fan, our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."
The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance said: "Heartbreaking to hear about the sudden passing of one of the Liverpool Echo great writers, campaigners, fundraiser and author & co writer of With Hope In Her Heart. Our thoughts are with Dan’s family and friends. Anyone affected by this very sad news please contact us at HSA."
Patrick Smith said: "Really sad news, always an absolute pleasure to have on the Blood Red Pod and it was a true honour to have the chance to work with someone who greatly inspired me as a young journalist. Thoughts with his family and friends, RIP Dan."
Deanna Matthews said: "No tribute will go anyway to describing what a truly brilliant man Dan was. So selfless and dedicated. An ally, a fighter, a friend. Truly wouldn’t have been where we are without him. His memory is one of the greatest blessings. I’ll miss you."
Laura's Little Bakery said: "Awful news, from the very beginning of my many path meetings with Dan he was always such a lovely lovely person to deal with. Sorry to all his many friends and family, the tweets show exactly why so many thought so much of him.
Adrian Tempany said: "When the Hillsborough inquests ran, from April 2014 to 2016, Dan Kay's reports from court (along with Eleanor Barlow), detailing the witnesses' evidence in minute detail, were essential reading for all survivors. He was an outstanding journalist."
Ian Bolland said: "Will always be grateful to Dan for his time when I was at uni, any time I did work experience at the Echo he took care of us and gave me opportunities to build my portfolio. More importantly than that he was a great human being - so sorry to hear of his passing."
Charl Hennessy also said: "Our little love. Our Ray of sunshine. Our "Dan Kay the man". We loved you......and we know that you loved us too. I'll love you forever."
Transalpino said: "Gutted to hear of the passing of Dan Kay. A tireless campaigner for Hillsborough, a great journalist, but above all a great lad. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. #YNWA."
Ste Reid said: "Remember my niece and her little boy going over from Belfast to watch @LFC he lost his comfort toy at the ground and was gutted, that night there was an appeal in the Echo to find it and only one man could have done that without a thought.
"Yes! it was Dan Kay. RIP Dan."
Andy Dunbar said: "An absolute football authority, the most empathetic person I have ever met with the ability to talk to anyone. Dan Kay was the conduit for so many people meeting and knowing each other... was a top red, a tireless #Hillsborough campaigner, but more importantly, a mate.
"Thanks for all the boss times all over Europe. #YNWA #JFT97."
An Hour for Others said: "Just heartbreaking. Dan helped us deliver food packages to many isolated elderly people across the city each week during lockdowns and without people like Dan many would have suffered.
"Rest in Peace Dan. What a lovely soul."
Jeff Goulding said: "I am absolutely devastated. Dan Kay was an incredible writer and so generous to me, nothing was ever too much trouble. Also a passionate Red and advocate for justice. So sad for his friends and family, grateful to have made his acquaintance. YNWA Dan RIP."
Davy Lane said: "Sad to hear of Dan Kay’s untimely passing. May his memory be a blessing. A great loss for Liverpool’s football community and the families of the Hillsborough disaster, as well the Liverpool Old Hebrew congregation."
A date has not yet been confirmed for Dan's funeral, although it is expected to take place at Broadgreen Jewish Cemetery.
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