TRIBUTES have poured in to Horwich publican Tom Benson.

And you can leave your own tribute to the 36-year-old below in our online book of condolence.

Tom was well known in Horwich, having run the White Tiger Bar and the Crux Emporium in Lee Lane, and most recently cocktails firm Apotek Class.

Just after 10pm on Saturday, a car crashed into a tree in Lever Park Avenue. Tom, a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a three-year-old, an eight-year-old and a 31-year-old woman were all taken to hospital.

Tributes, including flowers and cards, have been left at the scene for Tom. 

One said: “To our family member Tom. Tragically taken in an horrific accident may you rest in peace Tom. See you again soon.”

A cousin posted on Facebook saying: “Our family are devastated it’s such a massive shock. I haven’t stopped crying all day. He was such a lovely man a fantastic dad and he will be greatly missed by all, sleep tight Tom.”

You can contribute your tributes to Tom below by clicking on the link below.

 

 

Community answers

Tom Benson book of condolence

"We have opened a book of condolence to Horwich publican Tom Benson, 36, who tragically died in a car crash on Saturday, November 6."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Danielle

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonIt's been 11 years since we were in each others lives, I have so many fond memories of our time together and I'm in such shock at your tragic passing. Thoughts are with your family and children at this awful time. You were one of a kind and a brilliant friend. I'll think of you when I drink my baileys from a shoe. Rest peacefully.

From Lyndsey grounds

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonOh Tom if u only new how heartbroken your family are it's all a nightmare u only read about story's like this u never expect it to hit your own family it's so wrong your not here you will never be forgotten 💔

From Stuart dixon

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom we were at school together then our paths cross every now and again. You Always welcomed with a big smile wherever and whenever we met. Either in the bar or around town. RIP. You will be missed

From Jean Hurst

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonGoodness. Have known you since the minute you were born. You are/were an exceptional man. I feel with every fibre of my body for your mum and grandma, who I feel is a grandma to me, We have lived alongside, so long. Tom, you were a lovely , caring man who looked after your family in the WIDER sense. We saw your car parked here so often at grandmas. RIP. Jean and Mike.

From David kelsall

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRip Tom great memories growing up through primary school and many nights out with all the lads you will be greatly missed by many love to all your family xx

From Cassie Bowcock

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonAbsolute gent, taken far too soon. Il forever hold onto the memories, many laughs and late nights after finishing a shift at the rabbit. Thinking of all the family. Rest easy Tom 💙 xx

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRip Tom, so many of the best memories from primary school that I will hold onto forever, sending lots of love to all those closest too you Tom xx

From Orla Gleedon

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonWe are all so sad at your loss. I had many a conversation with you, you were always interested in how everyone was, you gave my son Cian his first opportunity to sing at your bar all those years ago. You were friendly, kind and so considerate. You had that lovely friendly smile and you were such a gentleman. Tom you are missed by so many people here in Horwich and I’m sure far afield. Condolences to your fiancé, your children and family. You brought such joy to so many people. RIP Tom. X

From Lee Gaskell

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonAbsolutely gutted, we worked together on so much. Will never forget our time on Dragons Den. Never stopped smiling and a great friend. Rest in peace Tom

From Karen Gee

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonI have so many memories with you I remember when we used to helped each other out while I ran the Bridge Inn and you ran the White Tiger, you use to come to me for ice and change I came to you for advice and the pub watch meeting we went to every month, you worked very hard and this should not have happened I will along with many people miss you ❤️

From Colin.... the Postie

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonIt's hard to believe that I will never see nor speak with you again. It hurts (inside) when I am walking to or past your house, knowing what's happened. It seems strange to know I was only speaking to you recently and as I've known your for some time we became friends when you would beep me or even come looking for me for a missed parcel. You was a gent. Miss you Mr Benson.

From Georgia Ashmore

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRest in paradise Tom. The world has lost such a kind, genuine soul. Sending my love & thinking of everyone at this heartbreaking time. 💔

From Jayne Thompson

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonI'm so shocked, I really hope he didn't suffer and I am absolutely gutted for his children and family. We met back in the White Tiger days and since then have had many conversations about "what's next". There was always something bigger and better to be done :) Our families last bumped into each other on Easter weekend on the pike walk, I'm thankful that we saw him then but gutted we won't see him again. He was such a lovely guy with a huge personality and great banter, he will be missed so much by so many. xx

From Julia Vernon

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonI’m still in shock to hear of this tragic accident that claimed your life. You were a lovely lad. A real family man. RIP Tom. Thinking of all your family at this sad time. Xxxxxx

From Jen Carlson

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRIP Tom You were such an amazing guy always with a smile. Rest easy ❤️

From Laura Phelan

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom, words cannot express how painful your loss is. You were a wonderful friend to so many, Ryan and Chris especially. Your light will never fade my lovely. You will always be in our hearts. Have the best time in your next life and come and say hello anytime. Xx

From Liz Turner-Allen

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom it was an absolute honor to work with you. The most genuine, kindhearted and hard working man with an infectious smile. A friend to so many who put his kids first above anything else. Horwich will be a much duller place without you around.

From Anna

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom, I didn't know you personally, but I did know you from working in Horwich. You always said hello with a smile on your face and was polite. I'm so very sorry to hear of your passing and send my love and thoughts to your family ♥️

From Holly B

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonI have such lovely memories growing up with Tom. His great smile, and lovely heart to go with it. Thinking of all your friends & family at this awful time x

From Finlay Stanley

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom, you were the brother I always wanted. The friend i could goto. The world will be a little less without out you brother. The 5 years I have known has felt like an life time and a little piece of me has gone with you. I will forever miss out laughs and our chats we had. Love you brother take it easy up there 💙💙💙💙

From Nicole taylor

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRest in peace Tom. Such a kind hearted and lovable man! Won’t forget the endless memories we all made together. Keep partying up there 💔💙

From Glenda Burgess

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonGoodnight God bless too young to be taken Rest in Peace Tom. Xxx

From Ruth Tinsley (Welsby)

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonSo many happy memories from Markland Hill School and growing up, Such a tragic accident. Thinking of your family and friends at this difficult time RIP Tom x

From Sian

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonStill doesn’t seem real ! I have so many memories to write as the annoying adoptive sister of the family but you were one of the nicest guys always looking for the next thing you could do and most of all an amazing daddy ! My prayers are with ur mum , dad ,sisters , nephews and most of all your children .wish you could see how truly loved you were sleep tight 💜

From Claire Leyland

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom was such a great character, always happy to see you and quickly grabbing the shots when he would see us at the end of the bar. Truly will be missed in Horwich.

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonSuch a lovely bloke, always polite, smiling and giggling. Your children will never forget you. Your life was taken away far too soon. Still in shock your gone as was only talking to you the other day. May you rest in peace. Sleep tight Tom xx

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRIP Tom. Taken far too early

From Joel pover

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonAn absolute gent was an honour to ov know u and shared some funny memories with you rest in peace mate

From Cathy Gale

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonAlways trying out new things and pushing boundaries. You were always helpful. Still in shock at the news. RIP Tom.

From Ashlynn brennan

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonOne in a million man couldn’t do enough for everyone within the community of horwich the world has lost a true gem , may god bless you on your next journey and watch over your children and help them remain in good health they had a super daddy!

From Ashlynn

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonLovely man time for everyone heart of gold gonna be heavily missed from all who knew you your children will forever hold you in a part of them you have given them everything a man can give his children and they will be able to look back in the future and see what an amazing daddy they had May you rest in peace gone but never forgotten always in the heart of horwich

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRest in peace Tom, thinking of all your family at this heartbreaking time ❤❤ xx

From Leanne Rukin

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonYou haven't been a part of my life for over 11 years but as soon as I found out I felt sick to my stomach. Absolutely devastating for your children and family. I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through. I want to say thanks for all the fantastic memories we had with Tower FM promo days, New York New York nights, Lofty Junior free football tickets and obviously Funk Around gigs. Sneaking vodka in your DJ kit was our favourite thing to do. God bless you Tom xxx

From Emma Syddall

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRest in peace Tom. Sending all my love to your family and friends at the incredibly difficult time.

From Kate P

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonSo many happy memories at Markland Hill and growing up, Tom was always smiling and held an upbeat, positive outlook to life. A heartbreaking loss, the world will definitely shine a little less brighter without Tom. Rest in peace x

From John Robinson and Jan Fletcher

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonOur thoughts are with Tom's family. John and Jan

From Rosanne Smith

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonI've got many fond memories of you at primary school - growing up with your besties, Ryan, David, James and Keith. Can't believe this has happened to you. You were always so kind and chatty whenever I bumped into you. Rest in Peace Tom - you were well respected by everyone you met and this shines through! Thinking of your Mum, your sisters and your beautiful children. God bless Thomas Benson - you will never be forgotten 🙏🏼❤️

From Nikki Winstanley

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRest in peace Tom. Wasn't your time to go. Taken far too soon. True gent and helped so many. Kind, caring and all round amazing person. Will never forget you 💔 keep the party going up there until we arrive. Tragedy to lose you and so many people are devastated. Sleep easy. ❤

From Shauni Cadman

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonWill miss you, the Nicest most genuine guy, you will be sadly missed, thinking of Alicia and your babies ❤️❤️

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonGod only takes the good ones. Plenty of good nights had in the rabbit saloon and the white tiger. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Hope your up there making our sil amazing cocktails. Rip

From James Hargreaves

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonI'm heartbroken by your loss. You were more than a friend Tom, you were a brother. I can't think of a memory from my childhood that doesn't involve you, Dave and me. We were joined at the hip since nursery. I'll cherish the memories of you forever. Rest in piece Tom. You'll be missed more than words can say. All my love, James Xx

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonSuch a shock to hear this. Such a young age and such a young family. He’ll be fondly remembered.

From Vicki marsh

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonSuch a sad loss. RIP Tom, you will be greatly missed by all the lads. Xx

From Anne Ford

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonThe world is a duller place now. A true gent taken, such a tragedy. All my love to the family . RIP Tom ❤xxxx

From Shane Shelmerdine

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom You taught me everything i needed to know about working in a pub and ill never forget the the impact you had on me not only in the hospitality sector but also the many life lesson you taught me and for that im greatful sleep well sir

From JayneTurnbull

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonThank you Tom for making tired teaching staff feel so welcome on our visits at half term, many of us are Harry Potter fans and loved The Crux and you truly were the host with the most I'm so sad you are gone x RIP Jayne Turnbull

From Mij Khan

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonHe was like a brother to me. Known him for 5 years and it felt like I’ve known him all my life. I write this with a very heavy heart today. I’m still in shock, I just don’t want this to be real. I work at Bengal cottage in horwich and through there I got to know him. He had the tiger bar and me and Shebz used to regularly visit him. Every time we needed help he was the first one to come forward. We’ve spent many good days together. He always used to come at the restaurant and hang out with me and Shebz. It’s hard to imagine that he won’t ever come and visit us anymore! He was a great son/husband/brother/friend and a exceptional father of two children. He loved his kids and could do anything for them. I’ve witnessed the love he had for his family. He truly had a heart of gold. Tom benson love you my brother Mij Khan

From Debra Severns

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonR.I.P Tom 💔

From Peter Verhaege

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonI’m absolutely shocked and devastated at this tragic news, worked together with Tom and others on the HMF … such an ambitious and friendly guy …My heart and condolences go out to his family and friends ….. You are in my thoughts and prayers… RIP Tom 🙏🙏🙏 💔

From Darren Burt

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom ... Got nothing but good words for you ... Always a sound guy who would chat too any1 with a big smile & give you the time of the day ... Always happy popular lad will be greatly missed ... Have a brandy with my mum up there mate ... God bless your family & friends x 💙

From Jessica Dixon

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonYou will be missed by so many god bless, R.I.P tom xx

From Mr Urmston

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRip Tom didn’t know you personally but my partner and my little girl new you and said you was a lovely man thoughts and prayers with your family and many friends ❤️

From Stacey Butterworth

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonDidn’t know you in person Rip

From Victoria S

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom you will be sadly missed - you were always so friendly and kind .. I'll be mixing a few Horcrux's in you honour, much love

From Kathryn rushton

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonTom was our neighbour he was always smiling with his two beautiful children. Such a tragic loss, god bless his family

From Lauren

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonYou will be forever missed Tom. Great guy. Best memories xxx

From Jeanette Mirralles

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonSo very sad to hear about this dreadful tragedy. He had turned into such a lovely, kind & caring young man who my family had known since he was a young boy but lost contact with until he came to Horwich. My thoughts & sincere condolences go out to all of his family & friends, but especially to Lydia his Mum & sisters. So sorry for your loss. A senseless waste xxx

From Wendy hill

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonThinking of all the family and his 2 children at this sad time RIP TOM 💙 Xx

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonOne of the nicest guys I’ve met, will be very sadly missed and a huge loss to Horwich. Condolences to all his family and friends xx

From Elsa Welsby

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonFond memories of Tom at Markland Hill School. Deepest sympathy to all the family. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Love from Peter and Elsa Welsby

From Danny lane

Pay your tributes to Tom BensonRIP Tom, You helped so many people get on there feet and was a true entrepreneur, Always had some plan on what to do next, Was an absolute pleasure knowing you and being your friend, Wish you was able to see how many people care about you, The world now seems a little dimmer. Sleep tight buddy x