Pictured: Two brothers killed in a head-on collision after their mom drove Vauxhall Astra with underinflated tyre

Two brothers who were killed in in a head-on car crash after their mother was driving with an underinflated tyre have been pictured for the first time.

Amy Sheppard, 29, was driving with a badly underinflated rear tyre that caused her Vauxhall Astra to ‘fishtail’ on a bend.

The car then crossed into the wrong carriageway, hitting an Audi travelling in the opposite direction.

Tragically, Ms Sheppard’s sons Louie and Mason Ellis, aged eight and six, suffered fatal injuries in the crash on October 2, 2023, on the A52 near Sutton on Sea in Lincolnshire.

Ms Sheppard was given a 20-month sentence suspended for two years at Lincoln Crown Court in December 2025.

In a heartfelt statement, the boys’ father Laurie Mason said: ‘Louie and Mason were two extraordinary boys whose love, laughter, and spirit filled every space they were in.

‘Louie had a heart full of joy and determination. He loved nothing more than playing football every weekend with his dad and uncle, always eager to practise and push himself to get better. No matter the weather – rain, wind, or sunshine – Louie was happiest with a football at his feet, playing with pure passion and a smile on his face.

‘He also loved sitting with his dad watching Liverpool, cheering them on with pride and excitement. Louie dreamed of becoming a professional footballer one day, playing for his beloved Liverpool at Anfield, just like his hero, Mo Salah.

Tragically, Ms Sheppard’s sons Louie and Mason Ellis, aged eight and six, suffered fatal injuries in the crash on October 2, 2023, on the A52 near Sutton on Sea in Lincolnshire

Amy Sheppard (pictured), 29, was given a 20-month sentence suspended for two years at Lincoln Crown Court in December 2025

‘When he wasn’t outside, Louie loved playing on his games consoles with his dad and uncle, enjoying every moment of fun, competition, and laughter together. The park was one of his happiest places, where his energy and love for the game truly shone.

‘At home, Louie loved baking cookies with his brothers and his step mum Charlotte, creating memories filled with warmth, flour-dusted hands, and giggles. He adored spending time playing with his stepsisters and brother, always welcoming everyone with kindness and enthusiasm. Louie had a way of making people feel included, loved, and valued.

‘Mason’s world was fuelled by imagination and creativity. He loved Mario and would turn everyday moments into adventures, inventing games inspired by Mario Kart that brought endless fun and laughter. He enjoyed spending time on his dad’s gaming computer, fully immersed in worlds he could explore and shape with his imagination.

‘Mason also loved spending quiet, special moments with his grandad, sitting on his knee in the garage while his grandad made wooden toys. Those moments, filled with love, patience, and gentle laughter, meant the world to him. On hot summer days, Mason loved going down Hubbard’s Hills, soaking up the sunshine and finishing the day with ice cream – simple joys that made him truly happy.

‘Louie and Mason also loved their days out with Grandma and Aunty Olivia. Whether it was exciting adventures or simple time spent together, they treasured every moment. They especially enjoyed their sleepovers at Grandma’s and Aunty Olivia’s house, moments filled with comfort, laughter, and a sense of being completely loved.

‘One particularly special memory was their day out at Sherwood Forest, where their curiosity, laughter, and sense of adventure shone as they explored together. Grandma Tess spent countless hours playing with Louie and Mason in the garden, laughing, running, and creating memories that will forever be held close to our hearts.

‘Louie and Mason also enjoyed their day out at Adventure Land, taking in all the excitement and enjoying every ride that was on offer that day.. From the thrills to the laughter, one of their favourites was drifting along on the lazy river ride, sharing smiles and creating memories that will always be cherished.

‘One of the weekends both Louie and Mason absolutely loved was when the slip and slide came out with the paddling pool. That day was filled with squeals of laughter, splashing water, and pure happiness – the kind of carefree fun that perfectly captured their spirits and the joy they found in being together.

‘Both Louie and Mason shared a deep love for their little brother. They were the very best big brothers – protective, caring, and endlessly proud of him. He wanted to be just like his bigger brothers, following in their footsteps and looking up to them with pure admiration and love.

‘Louie and Mason had the most beautiful souls. Their kindness, warmth, and laughter drew people to them, and everyone who knew them adored them. Our whole family adored them deeply and looked forward to weekends with them – weekends filled with noise, fun, love, and togetherness that meant more than words can say.

‘As their dad, my love for Louie and Mason is endless and unconditional. They were my world, my heart, my everything. Losing them has left two enormous holes in my heart – holes that will never be filled. Their loss has deeply impacted our family’s lives, and nothing will ever be the same without them. Anniversaries and birthdays are especially hard without them, painful reminders of just how much they are missed. The laughter, the noise, and the joy they brought are felt missing every single day.

‘I now find myself counting down the days until I am reunited with my Louie and Mason. Knowing that they will be waiting for me at the end of my days brings me comfort and peace, and it takes away any fear of passing away. The thought of seeing them again, holding them again, gives me strength to keep going.

‘Louie and Mason will always be deeply loved, forever missed, and never forgotten. Their laughter, their bond, and their beautiful souls will live on forever in my heart and in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to know them.’