Family tell of struggle after son's death (From Durham Times)

Family tell of struggle after son's death

4:07pm Monday 4th February 2008 in News By Mark Tallentire

THE family of a pub manager killed in a car crash have spoken of their struggle to come to terms with his death.

The parents of Michael Littler, who died while driving between Durham and Stockton, said to lose the 26-year-old was the worst thing they could have experienced.

Malcolm and Jackie Littler made the comments in a statement issued through police following their son's inquest, held at Chester-le-Street on Thursday last week.

Michael Littler, the manager of The Loft nightclub, in Durham, was driving home from work when he lost control of his silver Ford Mondeo on a right-hand bend of the A177 between Sedgefield and Thorpe Larches, near Stockton, at about 3am on Tuesday, October 2.

He sustained massive injuries when his car collided with a tree.

His crashed Mondeo was not spotted until 6am.

Mr Littler had been working in Durham City for just five weeks.

At his inquest, PC Mick Bell said speed had been a major factor in the accident and that Mr Littler had been using his mobile phone during his journey.

Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded a verdict of accidental death.

In their joint statement, his parents, of Gentian Way, Stockton, said: "It is difficult to put into words the sickening shock and horror that we felt on the morning of Tuesday, October 2, 2007, the day that everything changed in our lives, for our family, also friends, in the most tragic way.

"It is an arduous task to stay strong at this difficult time; however we take great comfort in the many happy memories we shared together as a family even though it was for a short time.

"Michael was a popular, loving boy who lived life.

"Michael worked hard, also loved to party and gave so much of himself to everyone who knew him. We are proud that in a world full of temptation he kept in heart and mind all that was taught to him by the family.

"We have experienced every parent's nightmare and the misery and hurt at times is unbearable. Michael will always be forever young and always our beautiful loving son."

Mr and Mrs Littler paid tribute to Durham Police for their support and the emergency services involved at the scene of the accident.