‘He was a perfect godson’

Labourer Declan Butters, 20, was driving to work on Tuesday at 7.20am and had stopped and got out of his Renault Clio on the M62 hard shoulder between J29 and J30.

Police say he was struck by a blue Mercedes HGV and was taken to Pinderfields Hospital with serious injuries, where he later died.

He lived with his mum and stepdad, Pam and Darren Auty, and little brother Myles, five, in Brown Street, Mirfield.

He was very close to his dad, Mick Butters, stepmum Alison, stepbrother Nick, stepsister Rebecca and her daughter Ruby, of Dewsbury.

Although too upset to speak about her son, Mrs Auty thanked family and friends for their kind words and support which she said were a great comfort.

Godmother Jo Grant said Declan was the perfect godson: “He was a fantastic young man whose smile could light up the room.”

She said the former Castle Hall pupil worked for a building firm but was thinking of doing a sports degree.

Mrs Grant said: “He was well liked - lots of friends are coming home from university. His family is finding it a very big comfort talking to them all.”

Knowle News owner Yusuf Patel said Declan was a ‘good lad’ who often left his change in the charity box.

Castle Hall headteacher Andy Pugh said Declan was popular and well respected who was a keen sports player. He said: “Declan was a very able student and left in 2007 with good GCSE grades and the potential to do very well.

“It is a very sad day for everyone at Castle Hall and we extend our sympathy to Declan’s family and friends.”

Funeral details have not yet been finalised, but people can phone George Brooke funeral directors 01924 454476.

Crash witnesses can contact police on 01924 292915.