The married couple who died when their Mercedes became trapped in flood water have been described as "devoted" grandparents who were well known in Liverpool's Jewish community.
Philip and Elaine Marco, aged 77 and 75 respectively, were driving their car along Queens Drive in Mossley Hill at around 9.20pm Saturday evening when they approached a dip in the road under a railway bridge, heading towards Sefton Park.
Flooding has been a regular feature of that section of road for many years. As recently as July, a woman had to be rescued from her vehicle by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service after becoming swamped in floodwater.
READ MORE: United Utilities confirm Queens Drive flood was not due to burst pipe
Merseyside Police said it received reports of concern for the welfare of two people after the black Mercedes became trapped in deep flood water. The couple were rushed to hospital where they were pronounced dead. Their next of kin have been informed.
Rabbi Avremi Kievman, of Chabad Lubavitch synagogue, in Mossley Hill, said the couple were regular attendees and had been personal friends for around 30 years.
He told the ECHO: "They were very friendly, they were very kind and they were very generous people. They were very dedicated and devoted grandparents, even more so than usual. They were a quiet and humble couple.
“They had their own catering business serving the community, they did weddings and bar mitzvahs. But their main interests were their grandchildren, they were so dedicated to their children and grandchildren.
"Their loss will leave a mark, in the whole community, for many people. It is a terrible loss, and the horrific circumstances will make it harder to accept.”
Earlier on Monday, Merseyside Police issued a statement on behalf of the couple's grieving family. They 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."
Detective Chief Inspector 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.
“We are continuing to appeal to anyone who was on Queens Drive, between North Mossley Hill Road and Dovedale Road at around 9.20pm last night and saw the accident, or who stopped to try help or anyone who had any dashcam footage from their car to come forward as soon as possible.
“Similarly, if you live in the area and have any doorbell or CCTV footage from last night please share this with us. Thank you for your patience whilst we deal with this tragic incident.”
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