TRIBUTES have poured in to a father and son who were killed in a suspected hit-and-run.
Dean Lowe (48) and 11-year-old Charlie died after being hit by a vehicle as they walked along Rue de Fauvic in Grouville on Saturday night.
A 28-year-old man was arrested hours later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop and report and accident.
Mr Lowe was a much-loved member of the Jersey Employment Trust and a respected musician who played as part of a duo called 24/7.
They performed at the Dolphin in Gorey the night before the tragedy.
The venue’s manager Avelino Carvalho said regulars were still coming to terms with the news.
He said: ‘Deano and Tony (who made up 24/7) had been playing here for years, and it’s been a real shock to hear this awful news.
‘You couldn’t find anyone who was a better entertainer than Deano, he was such a natural with his jokes and his music, and people loved him to bits – he just made everyone in the place really happy, and we can’t believe this.’
A versatile musician, Mr Lowe featured on a video clip, published by the Marina Metro last year, singing the Frank Sinatra classic ‘Mac the Knife’ to promote the venue’s December party night.
Mr Lowe worked for the Jersey Employment Trust for 17 years, most recently in the role of employer engagement manager, and in April he joined Kiley Henley from the Institute of Directors in completing a virtual London Marathon, raising more than £1,200 for the JET.
Money raised from the marathon, which involved a 26-mile walk and bucket collection, went to provide support for Islanders with a disability or long-term health condition in the workplace.
Writing on his fundraising page, Mr Lowe said the initiative had been inspired by an injury he had suffered in 2022.
‘This is a chance to challenge myself after I broke my back last year when I was off work for ten weeks after a trampolining accident,’ he said.
‘Knowing what it was like first-hand to deal with the pain, slow recovery and frustration at wanting to get back to work gave me a personal insight into the challenges faced by some of the clients we work with.’
A JET spokesperson said that the organisation was ‘devastated’ by the loss of their ‘much-loved and respected colleague and friend, and his son, Charlie, of whom he was so proud’.
The statement continued: ‘There was no one more dedicated and passionate than Dean about what he did, supporting people who have a disability or long-term health condition into work.
‘It often seemed like he knew everyone in Jersey, and certainly anyone who has met him would agree he was full of life and fun and, at all times, JET’s greatest ambassador.
‘Dean, who has worked with us since 2006, was an employment co-ordinator and more recently employer engagement manager, working tirelessly to promote our services to employers and setting up links with corporates and businesses as well as industry bodies such as Digital Jersey, the Jersey Retail Association and Jersey Finance.
‘He had recently started a programme to introduce neurodiversity training in businesses.
‘We send our heartfelt love and condolences to Dean’s family and friends.
‘His loss will no doubt be felt right across our Island community due to the nature and dedication of the work he so passionately undertook, and he will be sadly missed by us all.’
TRIBUTES ON FACEBOOK
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Nathan Paterson: ‘Dean was an amazing man and brilliant musician. Watched him on Friday night. So many people thought so highly of him.’
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Lisa De Gruchy: ‘Heartbreaking. May Dean and Charlie both rest in peace.’
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Elaine Quinn: ‘So heartbreaking. Dean you will be sadly missed by everyone who had the privilege to know you may you and your precious son RIP. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this difficult time.’
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James Montgomery: ‘Jersey has lost a hero, Dean was a voice for inclusion and a champion for disabilities and neurodiversity. He committed tirelessly to providing opportunities for those in need and giving those with a difference a chance to be part of society and succeed in their aspirations – it was a pleasure to have worked with him on projects and am forever grateful for his support.’
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Debra McGrellis: ‘Both taken far too soon. Dean you will be missed you had a big heart and always a smile on your face.Thinking of your family at this devastating time.’
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Kevin Pallot: ‘So gutted to hear this news. Dean was a great guy and musician and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Devastating to hear about his son too and my heart goes out to his partner.’
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Deputy Sam Mézec: ‘This is such sad news. I met Dean a couple of times and he was infectiously positive and proud of his work with JET. To lose Charlie too is unspeakably tragic. My thoughts are with their loved ones.’
