City bars pay tribute to 'cherished' dad don 'missed by all'

DON'S DEATH WAS DESCRIBED AS 'THE BIGGEST LOSS' TO EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM AT THE POPULAR CITY BARS 13:02, 30 May 2025 Staff at a group of popular city bars have shared their

heartfelt tributes to a "cherished" dad who died in a crash in Vauxhall this week. Donovan Travis Dineen-Whitham, 38, was riding his motorbike when he was involved in a collision

with a Volkswagen ID3 at around 7pm on Wednesday, May 28. The dad, who was known to colleagues as Don, worked as a member of the security team for DGB Hospitality Group, which owns and

operates a number of venues including Motel, Gloria's, Pogue Mahone and Teddy's. Many Motel customers came to know Don through his security work at the Fleet Street institution. A

touching tribute shared by DGB Hospitality on social media said: "It is with great sadness that DGB Hospitality Group acknowledges the passing of our valued colleague, Donovan Whitham,

a cherished member of our security team. "Since joining, Don has been a respected and much-loved part of our team. His professionalism, dedication, and warmth left a lasting impact on

all who had the privilege to work alongside him."His passing is deeply felt across our entire company, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Don’s family and loved ones during this

profoundly difficult time." Friends and colleagues left their tributes below the post, with one person saying: "The biggest loss to us all. Our mate. Will be missed by all."

Another added: "Thinking of you all." Article continues below In a tribute shared this morning, Donovan's family said: “We are absolutely heartbroken and can't believe we

are writing this. My son, my brother, my uncle, my dad - we love you so much, and we'll make you proud, we promise. Everything we do now is for you." As part of initial inquiries,

a 24-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving. He has since been released under investigation. Detective sergeant Kurt

Timpson, the lead investigating officer from the Merseyside Police serious collision investigation unit, said: “Our thoughts and condolences remain with Donovan’s family, who are being

supported by our specially trained family liaison officers at this incredibly difficult time. "Our investigation into the incident is ongoing as we seek to get the answers that

Donovan’s family deserve. ‌"The priority of detectives is to establish how the collision occurred and my team is working to establish key facts. Although a man has been arrested in

connection with this incident, I would appeal to anyone who witnessed it to please contact us. "I would also ask motorists to please check your dashcam footage to review it if you were

driving in the area on Wednesday evening. Any help we receive, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could assist our investigation.” The crash occurred at the junction of Vandries Street

and Waterloo Road. Merseyside Police received a report that a Volkswagen ID3 car had crashed with an AJS Highway Star motorbike, just outside the Vulcan Studios rehearsal centre. ‌Emergency

services, including the North West Ambulance Service and air ambulance, attended. Mr Dineen-Whitham was pronounced dead at the scene. Article continues below A cordon was put in place on a

large section of the road following the crash, and a number of side roads, including Vulcan Street and Porter Street, were closed at the junction of Waterloo Road. Photos taken from the

scene show a significant emergency services response, including fire engines, paramedics, and police. An air ambulance later landed in the nearby Costco car park to provide medical support

and departed at around 7.50pm. A 'collision here' notice has now been put up on a lamp post outside the rehearsal studio, calling for witnesses to get in touch with CCTV or dashcam

footage.