Tributes have flooded in for a man who died after flying debris smashed through a van windscreen.
Stephen Matthews, 68, was travelling as a passenger in a van at Switch Island near Netherton on Friday, February 18, when debris from Storm Eunice went through through the windscreen.
Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance received reports of the incident at around 2.10pm and crews from Merseyside Fire and Rescue also attended the scene.
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Stephen was pronounced dead at the scene. The man driving the van was not injured during the incident.
Hundreds of people have paid tribute to Stephen and sent messages of support to his family.
Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, Teresa Roberts said: "Heartfelt sympathy to family and friends RIP Stephen."
Lyndsey Powell added: "Heartbreaking, thinking of the family. Rest in peace."
Jennifer Wood also said: "Heartbreaking thinking of all who loved him sending comfort and love at this sad time."
Angela Pouncey added: "So tragic my thoughts are with his family and friends RIP."
David Godsall also said: "So sad thoughts are with the family at such a devastating time."
On Monday, February 21, Stephen's family paid tribute to him.
They said: “Stephen was a popular and well-known member of the Aintree community who was tragically taken from us too soon.
“The beloved husband of Sylvia and devoted Dad to Jonathan and Robert, he will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.”
Joanne McKie, one of Stephen's nieces, also set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for his funeral.
The description of the GoFundMe read: "After the tragic loss of my Uncle Steve who was killed in a freak accident during the Storm Eunice, I wanted to set up this page to help his beloved wife Sylvia with the funeral costs to support her at this difficult time.
"Steve was a wonderful husband, dad, grandad, loving uncle and a popular member of the Aintree community and will be greatly missed by all.
"The family and everyone who knew Steve have been left stunned at the catastrophic circumstances in which he was taken. Any funds raised will go towards giving Steve the send off he deserves.
"Sylvia, Jonathan and Robert appreciate the kind words of condolences sent at this traumatic time."
In just three hours £2,440 was collected for Stephen's family, and by Tuesday afternoon the total was £3,385.
To donate to Stephen's GoFundMe page, click here.
