(Image: FAMILY)
A young County Durham ref killed in a hit-and-run in Florida has been described as the “life and soul of the party" by his “utterly devastated” family.
Brandon Grimes, 26, from Seaham was on holiday with a friend when, according US media, he was hit by a Ford Edge SUV which fled the scene.
It happened on the US192 highway in the city of Kissimmee, 20 miles south of Orlando, in the early hours of Friday (September 25).
His partner, David Jackson, 41, said the family is desperate to bring Brandon, a grassroots referee, home.
Brandon Grimes, 26, from Seaham was killed in a suspected hit-and-run while on holiday in Florida (Image: FAMILY)
David said: “His family is just destroyed and we are all devastated.
"He lived with his nana and grandad and adored his whole family - nieces, brothers and sisters. He had such a huge family.”
Brandon was a grassroots football referee who David described as “funny, caring, generous” and the “life and soul of the party”.
David said: “He loved to dance, god he so loved to dance.
"He had a quirky sense of humour that not everyone got but he did get on with everyone.
"We just had so many plans.
"We were planning holidays to New York for the new year and Gran Canaria and also had just been to Malaga in July, we were just loving and enjoying life together.
"We loved our weekends out, socialising, dancing, singing - even though he was terrible - but just loved to have fun."
Brandon Grimes, 26, was described as 'funny, caring and generous' and the 'life and soul of the party' (Image: FAMILY)
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said a man was trying to run across the US 192 on International Drive in Kissimmee when he was hit by a driver travelling westbound.
The man was not at a marked crossing, and the vehicle's right front headlight hit him, according to FHP.
According to American media outlet WESH 2 detectives found car parts at the scene and believe the vehicle involved may be a 2007 to 2010 Ford Edge with a silver body and black top.
"The vehicle is expected to have damage to its front right headlight and hood," they reported.
"Anyone with information has been asked to contact Florida Highway Patrol directly or Crimeline."
David said the family faces a huge bill to bring Brandon home to Seaham.
He said: “He was on holiday in Florida with a friend, so we are struggling to get information from the US, which is holding things up for us.”
“We believe it could cost anywhere between £13,000 and £15,000, or even more, so we want to raise as much as we can because we need him home.
"I know all the family just want him here.
"I can’t face the thought of him being out there on his own. I may have to go over myself if it takes much longer.”
Brandon worked as a warehouse assistant at Durham firm Workwear Express, which donated £1,000 to the GoFundMe appeal.
The fundraiser has raised £8,755 (at the time of writing).
Brandon Grimes was a grassroots referee for the Durham County Football Association on the weekends (Image: FAMILY)
Durham County Football Association chief executive John Topping said Brandon was an “up and coming referee” who regularly officiated grassroots matches.
He said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of our referees, Brandon Grimes.
“Brandon was an up and coming referee and regularly officiated in matches throughout the grassroots game. He will be a big miss to the game, especially to the referee fraternity.
"Our thoughts at this sad time are with all his family and friends."
David said the support from Brandon's footballing community had been overwhelming.
He said: “The support has just been absolutely overwhelming. We are eternally grateful to everyone who has donated and shared tributes to Brandon, including all of the footballing community.”
“It just goes to show how loved he was. It’s amazing. He was so respected in what he did.”
“Liverpool Football Club was also his club. He lived and breathed football. I sometimes joked I came second to it all.”
“It was his absolute life’s passion and he loved his weekends refereeing.
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"He had his signature dance moves on a night out. He loved country and dance music, especially Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. Liverpool Football Club’s anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone, was another particular favourite.”
“We are all utterly devastated and will forever miss that infectious smile.”
David and Brandon had been together since February and were planning trips to New York for the new year and Gran Canaria.
The Northern Echo has contacted the Florida Highway Patrol and the British Embassy.