Liverpool Fan Reflects on Parade Tragedy: ‘Grateful to Be Alive’ After Being Hit by Car
What began as a joyful and unforgettable day quickly turned into a frightening ordeal for two Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League parade.
Jack Trotter and his girlfriend, Abbie Gallagher, made the journey from Newtownards in County Down to join the huge crowds filling the streets in celebration.
But the festive atmosphere was shattered when a car plowed into the crowd on Water Street around 6 p.m. on Monday.
Speaking to the BBC after being discharged from the hospital, Jack described how quickly things changed. “I went from pure joy to absolute panic in seconds,” he said.
His first instinct was to find Abbie. “I just kept thinking, ‘Where is Abbie? I need to get to her.’ Thankfully, I heard her shouting my name and we found each other.”
Jack was taken to hospital with back and leg injuries and is now using crutches. He says he’s incredibly thankful to still be here and appreciative of the support they’ve received.
Abbie recounted the terrifying moment the car came toward them, saying she had to push herself off its bonnet to escape.
“All I remember is suddenly seeing the car,” she said. “I was screaming and crying, and then I heard Jack say, ‘I’m here, I’m here.’”
Earlier that day, the couple had been enjoying what Jack described as a “brilliant” experience—highlighted by getting a close-up look at Virgil van Dijk and singing with fellow fans from the moment their train arrived.
For many, it was a day of emotional extremes. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp summed it up by saying the day showed “the two faces of life.”
“The parade was incredible, the spirit was incredible—and then, all of a sudden, everything turned,” he said.
Klopp added: “There are far more serious things than football. Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured and their families.”
Abbie echoed his sentiment, urging others to treasure the people around them.
“Hold your loved ones close,” she said. “You never know how fast everything can be taken away.”
Police have since confirmed 65 people were hurt in the incident, including four children—one of whom is seriously injured. A 53-year-old man from West Derby has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving while under the influence of drugs.
As Klopp said, football gave us another unforgettable moment—but life reminded us just how fragile those moments can be.
