Channel 4 star, 24, found dead alongside woman’s body in murder probe as fellow TV paramedic pays tribute
A CHANNEL 4 TV star has been found dead alongside a woman’s body with his co-star paying tribute to her “best friend”.
Staffordshire police believe they found 24-year-old Daniel Duffield dead inside a Hednesford house on Tuesday.
Duffield was a star of the Channel 4 show 999: On The Front Line which followed ambulance crews as they responded to calls.
His crew mate on the show Ellie posted a tribute to social media: “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.
“Dan I can’t believe you’re actually gone.”
She added: “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.”
Duffield appeared on the eleventh series of the show, which followed West Midlands Ambulance crews as they responded to calls.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said Duffield had been employed by the trust at its hub in Willenhall, the BBC reported.
Senior operations manager Richard Barratt 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.”
Police said the woman found dead at the house was 22-year-old Lauren Evans, from Bridgend, South Wales.
The force said formal identification is yet to take place but they had referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to recent police contact.
Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison, from our 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.
“We completely understand that lots of people want to know more about what happened, but we’d like to reiterate that speculation isn’t helpful to families at this distressing time.
“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.”