Tributes paid to grandparents who died after driving into flooded area

Tributes have been paid to two “much-loved” grandparents who died after driving into a flooded area in Liverpool days before their 54th wedding anniversary.

Elaine Marco, 75, and Philip Marco, 77, were found inside a black Mercedes in Queens Drive, Mossley Hill, on Saturday at about 9.20pm and were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.

In a statement the couple’s family said the “only comfort” was that they were together to the end.

Friends described them as a “kind and generous” couple whose catering business was popular in the local Jewish community they were part of.

“We are devastated and heartbroken by the sudden loss of Elaine and Philip Marco,” a family statement said.

“They were much-loved parents to four children and 10 grandchildren.

“The family are arriving… 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.”

Local rabbi Avremi Kievman and his wife were “personal friends” of Mr and Mrs Marco for 30 years, he said.

In a tribute, he said: “They were a very friendly couple, who were very kind and generous people.

“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.”

In a statement earlier on Monday, Merseyside Police said the road would remain closed for some time.

A Liverpool City Council spokesman said their thoughts were with the family after the “tragic” incident.

A spokesman for United Utilities, which supplies water to the area, said there were “no issues” with the company’s assets there.