"It's like a missing piece to a puzzle in your life." Friends and family set up charity in memory of beloved son killed in horror Manchester smash
The family and friends of a man who sadly lost his life in a major crash caused by a drunk driver have set up a foundation in his memory. Louis Dube tragically passed away due to his injuries after ‘a serious road traffic collision’ on Mount Road in Gorton on Monday, December 5, 2022.
A student, Dube was just 25-years-old at the time and his life was ended by Ryan McElroy, who had been drinking all day. McElroy, 35, of Apeel Lane in Chadderton, was caught on CCTV staggering away from his dad's flat before getting into his car and driving at excessive speeds.
READ MORE: Family's devastation as beloved son, 25, killed in horror Manchester smash
He was jailed for 11 years and four months and banned from driving for twelve-and-a-half years after appearing Manchester Crown Court last year. Two years on from Louis' devastating death, his family and friends have come together to set up the Louis Dube Foundation, which has been set up to raise money for charities including Shelter, the same group Louis was training to run a marathon for days before his death.
Described as a ‘role model’ son by his mother Nompi. Louis was asleep in the backseat of his friend's Vauxhall Insignia as she drove home from a church function that fateful day. After dropping a friend off safely nearby, the woman, 30, attempted to lawfully turn around in the road.
McElroy appeared and crashed into her vehicle.
One of the people behind the foundation is a long time friend of Louis. Fidelis Olaniran was the person who had been dropped off minutes before the crash occurred.
He spoke to the MEN about the moment he found out about Louis' death and the impact it has had on his life two years on. He told the Manchester Evening News: "I got home, took off my shoes and I was just scrolling on my phone. Then a friend called me and told me a crash had happened.
"It was just up the road from me so I ran to the scene and saw everything and from there it was a whirlwind of emotions.
"It feels like a missing part of the puzzle in our lives. You could go and speak to him about every situation, about your issues. He was a wide head I always went to for advice and he was like a young man with a wise head.
"He was very faith driven, he had a strong belief in Jesus Christ and he had a very close relationship with his family. He and his mum were like best friends.
"The beautiful thing about his death is that when you have faith inside you, you know that yes it's painful, but there's a joy inside me that I've known Louis and I know he died believing in Christ. That's one of the most comforting things for me personally."
A charity football match was held in memory of Louis and to raise money for Shelter via the foundation on Sunday (September 22). The second in the foundation's history, the group are hoping for it to become a regular occurrence and have set up a JustGivingPage to raise money for Shelter.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.