The family of a man killed in a hit and run in Miami have paid an emotional tribute saying he was a ‘fun loving crazy family guy’.
Andrew Hamilton, from Newton, Chester, was knocked down while on holiday during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
His mother Jackie, father John, two sisters Sarah and Joey, released the following statement.
They said: “Our beautiful Andrew loved life to the full, he was always happy, and just the most amazing son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend and godfather.
“As his family we appreciate all the love and support his friends new and old have shown at this sad time. We would like people to remember Andrew as the fun loving crazy family guy we all knew.
“We are all truly heart broken and still can’t get our heads around it. Thank you for all the love everyone has given."
His best friend James Kinsella said: “You were a once in a lifetime friend to us all, like the brother I never had. Your star will always shine the brightest.”
Kelly Tyrer, 27, from New Brighton, who launched an online fundraising page in the wake of his death to support the family, said: “I have no words. I am destroyed. We love you with every piece of our broken hearts.”
She said she was taken aback with the generosity of those who had donated to the Justgiving page in the past 24 hours raising more than £5,000.
Miss Tyrer said she and her partner Marc, and son Sebastian - who was Andrew's godson - thought the amount raised showed Andrew’s caring nature and just how popular he was.
His former school St David's High School in Saltney also paid tribute.
Michelle Ford, deputy headteacher, said: “He was such a nice boy and a bit of a cheeky chappy.
“The people who taught him here remember him very fondly."
His mother Jackie has flown out to Miami was the police continue to investigate her son's death.
Police investigation
Miami Beach Police said Andrew, who worked for a PPI firm, had been hit by a silver BMW at around 2.30am local time on Tuesday, while crossing Collins Avenue in the North Beach area.
The driver of the car got out and ran away, leaving three women behind in the car, according to local media reports.
Police spokesman Ernesto Rodriguez added: “Initially (the suspect) was wearing all black. He is a black male with short cropped hair and a witness observed him removing that black shirt to wipe blood from his face and that shirt was left somewhere.
“At this time our investigators are actively processing all the evidence and pursuing all leads.”
Did you know Mr Hamilton? You can leave your tributes in the comments below or email cheshire.news@trinitymirror.com
