A fundraising page set up in memory of a Newton man killed in a hit and run in Miami has reached its initial target in 24 hours.
Friends and family have rushed to pay tribute to Andrew Hamilton , 27, who died in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
His best friend Kelly Tyrer, also 27, from New Brighton, set up the Justgiving page after hearing the news from his family.
She said: “I’m just amazed at the response. It’s everyone showing their appreciation for just how lovely he was.
“His sisters are overwhelmed with people’s reaction.
“We’ve had people donating who didn’t even know him.
“We set it up as we knew there would be costs for his family, and for his mum in getting him back over here. We all just wanted to help.”
The fundraising page currently has more than £5,000 pledged.
Andrew, who was on holiday in Miami, worked for PPI firm The Claim Guys Limited based in Altrincham.
He previously worked for easyJet who he joined at 19, and this was where Ms Tyrer met him.
He was the godfather to Ms Tyrer’s son and she said he doted on him.
She said: “His sisters said he was just devoted to him. He took the responsibility very seriously. We’re just all devastated.”
His family have released a tribute to their 'fun loving son'.
School days
Ms Tyrer said Andrew’s mother was flying out to Miami as police in America continued to investigate his death.
Michelle Ford, deputy headteacher of St David’s High School in Saltney, where Andrew attended between the age 11-16, said staff at the school had “fond memories” of him.
She said: “It is very sad. It’s just horrendous to be on holiday and for something like this to happen. He was a very nice lad - very pleasant - and had lots of friends, many of which he was still in contact with.
“He was such a nice boy and a bit of a cheeky chappy.
“The people who taught him here remember him very fondly.
“We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his family and everyone who knew him and we will be getting in touch with the family to offer our support.”
Did you know Mr Hamilton? You can leave your tributes in the comments below or email cheshire.news@trinitymirror.com
