Motorist charged over M6 crash death of Blackpool man

11:00am Thursday 3rd July 2008

A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving while above the alcohol limit after a crash on the M6 in which a man from Blackpool died.

Lee McKenna, 29, who was originally from Liverpool but lived in the resort, died when the grey Renault Clio he was travelling in left the M6 at high speed at about 1.50pm.

Darren Briercliffe, 22, of Hombrook Road, Liverpool, who was driving the car at the time of the accident, will appear before magistrates today.

The incident happened on the southbound carriageway of the M6 between junctions 26 and 27 at 1.50pm on Monday.

Lee's mum, Kathy and his sister Nicola have paid tribute to him, saying: "Lee was always the life and soul of the party, with a happy-go-lucky approach to life.

"He always put others before himself and would often go out of his way to help them.

"If there was a problem, he would always be there to help without being asked.

"Lee was a gentle, loving character and was popular with all those that got to know him.

"He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends, in particular his mum and sister."

His niece Melissa described Lee as: "The best uncle in the world with a great sense of humour."