'boss bouncer' killed in motorbike crash

DONOVAN TRAVIS DINEEN-WHITHAM WAS "ALWAYS THERE WITH A HUG AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT" 19:00, 30 May 2025 Messages of love and sympathy have flooded in for a "boss

bouncer" who was "one of the nicest and kindest people on the planet". 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 fatal incident 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. Donovan, who was known as Don, was a familiar face at pubs and clubs throughout the

city, working as a security guard for DGB Hospitality Group. The group owns and operates a number of popular venues, including Motel, Gloria's, Pogue Mahone, and Teddy's. Cat

Gunnell said: You were an amazing guy to work with, Donovan. Always there with a hug and words of encouragement and support. Sending love and condolences to your family. RIP Donovan."

Ellie Rose Davenport said: "Will miss you always Don. One of the nicest and kindest people on the planet. Will miss seeing you every weekend." Alan Goulding said: "Absolutely

gutted, true gentleman, gonna miss you down The Lodge on Lark Lane… RIP brother, deepest sympathy to all his family." Article continues below Hannah Cocking said: "Shocking and so

sad, the first person I worked with when I did security for a control room in Liverpool, he showed me the ropes in the good old control room. Sending lots of love to the family, so so

sad." Emergency services, including the North West Ambulance Service and air ambulance, attended the scene of the crash on Wednesday. Mr Dineen-Whitham was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, his 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.” In a tribute shared on social media, a DGB Hospitality Group spokesman said: "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." Further tributes were posted on the ECHO's Facebook page. Claire Jackson

said: "So sad my daughter is heartbroken, said he was a boss bouncer. R.I.P DON thoughts are with his family." Keith Abbott said: "Had the pleasure of working with you Don but

a greater pleasure of calling you mate. RIP big man you will be missed." Article continues below _Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC, contact the Serious Collision

Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, or email [email protected] quoting reference number 25000439482._ _People who want to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555

111._