Zacharias “Puddy” Atkinson was described as a “beautiful boy” who “loved life and lived every moment to the fullest”
15:31, 04 Jan 2025Updated 15:32, 04 Jan 2025
Zacharias Atkinson, fondly known as Puddy(Image: Merseyside Police)
The funeral date of a teenager who died following an industrial incident on the docks has been announced. Zacharias Atkinson, who was known to family and friends as Puddy, died following the incident at Langton Dock, off Regent Road in Bootle, on Wednesday, December 11.
In a tribute issued through Merseyside Police, his family said: “Our beautiful boy Puddy has had his young life taken in the most horrific circumstances. He loved life and lived every moment to the fullest. He loved Liverpool Football Club, he adored every one of his friends and family. Our family and all of his friends are devastated beyond words. Nobody should go to work and not come home.”
Glentrees Funeral Service confirmed today, Saturday, January 4, that Mr Atkinson’s funeral would take place at St Anne’s Church, in Old Swan, at 11am on Monday, January 20. The funeral service said this would be followed to Anfield Crematorium before gathering at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory.
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Glentrees Funeral Service wrote: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that the family of Zacharias Atkinson, ‘Puddy’, have asked us to announce his passing and funeral arrangements…Puddy was a wonderful, charming, kind and funny young man, who was tragically taken far too soon.
“In the words of his loving mum, ‘He lit up every room he walked into, he was a hard working man who had a zest for life’. Everyone loved Puddy, he had the biggest heart and will be missed immensely by his heartbroken family and friends.”
His friends later started a GoFundMe to help raise money for his funeral so his loved ones could “give him the send off he deserves”. The fundraising page reads: “We are starting a fundraiser to help ease the financial burden of a funeral for a son, brother and friend who tragically passed away from an accident whilst at work.
“Puddy was a true Liverpudlian and proper Red, a kind caring lad who had so much time ahead of him. Passing at only 19 years old, his best friends are arranging a football match – Date and Venue TBA – to raise as much funds as possible to give Puddy the send off he deserves.”
The most recent update on the page, dated January 2, thanked people for their generosity and confirmed they were closing the GoFundMe. Over £13,500 had been raised for Mr Atkinson’s family. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police following Mr Atkinson’s death confirmed a joint investigation into the circumstances continued with the Health and Safety Executive.