A man found dead alongside a woman at a Midlands home was a paramedic for West Midlands Ambulance Service. Colleagues said the death of Daniel Duffield, who starred in Channel 4’s 999: On the Frontline, was a “great tragedy”. The 24-year-old’s body was found at a house in Alpine Drive in Hednesford, sparking a murder investigation.
Lauren Evans, 22, from Bridgend was named as the second person found at the property just after midday on Tuesday, June 25. Medics discovered the pair after being called to a concern for welfare at the house. However it was “immediately obvious” that nothing could be done to save them.
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Daniel, who worked as a paramedic based in Willenhall, was described as a “well-known” member of staff who was “always keen to help and support his colleagues”. Ambulance service staff were now being provided with specialist support as they come to terms with his death.
Richard Barratt, senior operations manager at the Willenhall hub, said: “Daniel Duffield was a well-known member of staff and always keen to help and support his colleagues. His death at such a young age is a great tragedy. I hope Daniel’s family can take some comfort from the hundreds of patients he helped through his time as a paramedic. Our thoughts go out to the families of both of those found at the scene.”
The Mirror reports that Daniel’s fellow ambulance worker Ellie, who appeared in the Channel 4 documentary alongside him, left a heartfelt tribute on social media. She wrote: “‘Never in a million years did I think I’d have to sit and write this and yet I’m still trying to come to terms with it. “I just want to express how special you [were] to me, not only my best friend at work and the best crew mate but one of my best friends who had a massive impact on day to day life, the most kind hearted person who always had time to help others, who made me laugh every day and always would pick up the phone whenever I was in need.” She added: “Dan I can’t believe you’re actually gone. We were meant to go out together this week and I was looking forward to seeing you. Even the phone call we had this morning an hour before you [were] gone I’ll never forget, love you forever Dan.”
Daniel’s heartbroken sister also paid tribute to her sibling, who she described as a “bright soul”. She posted on Facebook: “I’m so distraught you’ve gone. I will never come to terms with it that you’re no longer here. You (were) such a bright soul, always helping other people making them smile, laugh, saving lives but unfortunately you couldn’t help yourself. “I will forever cherish you and us growing up together; you will always be in my heart (and were) the best brother I could (have) ever asked for. I’ll always miss you and love you forever. Until we meet again, RIP brother.”
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Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison, of Staffordshire’s Major Investigations Department, said: “My thoughts are very much with the families at this time. I know this news has understandably shaken the local community. I’d like to reassure everyone that we’ve got a specialist team of officers working extensive hours to fully investigate what happened and support the families of those affected. I would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information and ask that people continue to get in touch if they’ve got any information that can help us.”
The force has referred themselves to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to ‘recent police contact’. A force spokesperson said: “A team of specially-trained officers are continuing to support their families at this distressing time. We’ve referred the incident to (IOPC) due to recent police contact.”
