Jewish couple die in their car in Liverpool flood tragedy
Elaine and Philip Marco, of Mossley Hill, were discovered by police inside a black Mercedes Class 180 that had become submerged in flood water, and were pronounced dead after being taken to hospital
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A Jewish couple have died after their car became submerged in flood water in the Mossley Hill area of Liverpool.
Elaine,75, and Philip Marco, 77, were discovered by police inside a black Mercedes Class 180 that had driven into a flooded area on Queens Drive.
They were found trapped inside their car by emergency services and taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Philip was well-respected as one of the last Liverpool-based kosher caterers, and had become a director of Marcos Catering in 1990.
A statement from their family said: “We are devastated and heartbroken by the sudden loss of Elaine and Philip Marco. “They were much loved parents to four children and 10 grandchildren. The family are arriving overseas from America and Australia to mourn their loss.
“They were due to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary next week and our only comfort is knowing that they were together to the very end.”
One of the couple’s friends also told Jewish News the tragic deaths had left “the entire community, friends and family absolutely devastated.”
Another posted a message online read:””Terrible tragedy with the passing of our dear friends, Philip & Elaine Marco.
“May Hashem heal the torn hearts of their children and grandchildren.
“A huge loss to our community.”
Rabbi Avremi Kievman, of the Chabad Lubavitch later told ITV: “They were a very friendly couple, they were very kind and generous people. My wife and I knew them for 30 years; they were personal friends.
“They were very dedicated and devoted grandparents, even more so than usual. They were a quiet and humble couple. For many years they ran a catering business serving the community – they did weddings and bar mitzvahs.
“It is a terrible loss that will leave a mark in the whole community.”
Police investigating the incident said that they received a report at about 9.20pm on Saturday concerning the safety of two people in the Mossley Hill area of Liverpool.
They were found trapped inside their car by emergency services and taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Amateur footage filmed in the area appears to show water gushing on to the road – which dips under a bridge.
Met Office data shows heavy rainfall at more than 32mm (1.25 inches) an hour near where it happened.
The couple’s car was seen being submerged by water below the bridge.
And beyond the overpass, a powerful fountain appears to be sending water into the air in a fountain – as witnesses speculated the mass of water was caused by a burst pipe.
Members of the public tried to help the tragic pair at the scene of the Liverpool tragedy but they did not survive.
In a statement, Merseyside police said: “Police patrols assisted Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services at the scene in finding the body of a man and woman, both were taken to hospital where they were sadly pronounced deceased.
“The next of kin of the man and woman have now been informed and formal identification has been made.”
The couple were named locally on Monday following the tragedy, which took place on Saturday night after repeated downpours.
Tributes to the couple posted online included one reading:””Baruch Dayan HaEmet. My thoughts and prayers are with their family and the whole community.”
A file had been passed to the area coroner for Liverpool, who had asked Merseyside police to further investigate the incident.
Det Ch Insp Mike Dalton said: “Our thoughts go out to the family of the man and woman who sadly lost their lives in this tragic incident, despite the best efforts of passing members of the public, our officers and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services at the scene.
“We are at the early stages of an ongoing investigation on Queens Drive to establish the circumstances of this tragic incident.
“Road closures remain in the area as we continue with this investigation and motorists are advised to avoid the road.”
In further tributes Moria Berry King said: “This is awful. Those poor people must have been so scared, god bless them. Deepest condolences to their families and friends. Rest in Peace.”
Katy Koo said: “So sad. This should never have happened – it has been a known spot for flooding for years. RIP.”
Viv Sinnott said: “Dreadfully sad. RIP. Thinking of their family and friends. What a devastating time for them.”
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