Channel 4 star found dead in house as second victim pictured for first time

27 June 2024 , 11:32

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Daniel was one of two people found dead in a Cannock home earlier this week (Image: facebook)

A paramedic who was found dead alongside the body of a woman was the star of Channel 4's 999: On the Frontline.

Daniel Duffield, 24, was named as one of two people found dead at a house in Hednesford, in Cannock, Staffordshire earlier this week. Police later named Lauren Evans, 22, from Bridgend, South Wales, as the second person found at the home, and have launched a murder investigation. The pair are yet to be formally identified.

A fellow ambulance worker named Ellie, who appeared in the Channel 4 documentary alongside Duffield, said in a heartbreaking tribute that she is "still trying to come to terms" with the tragic news.

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."

Daniel featured on Channel 4's 999: On the Frontline with friend Ellie (Channel 4)

Ellie, who shared her tribute on social media, continued: "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.

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"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."

Writing on Facebook, Duffield's heartbroken sister shared the news that her "beautiful brother has left us today". She added: "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."

Lauren, 22, from South Wales, is believed to be the woman found dead (facebook)

Friend Jasmin Steed added: "I know you were going through a rough patch but you always seemed like you had a grip of it. We would talk it out and you would post pictures and videos of you smiling, and travelling all over the world for concerts and shows.

"You seemed happy, even though you were not. And I keep replaying the last few months wondering if I could've done more. So this is everybody's reminder that a smile can hide so much pain. Please check in on your mates regularly. I know we all pretend we live important busy lives but really, nothing is more important than the people around us.

Police and forensic officers at the scene of the double murder probe in Hednesford (SWNS)

"Dan, you saved so many lives both as a paramedic and as a friend, I'm so sorry we couldn't save yours. You held a special place in my heart, but now part of it will forever be broken. I hope you manage to find the happiness you brought to everyone else."

Police have yet to formally identify the individuals who were found dead, but believe them to be 22-year-old Lauren Evans, from Bridgend in South Wales, and 24-year-old Daniel Duffield, from Cannock.

A forensic van was parked outside the house (BirminghamLive)

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."

Police launched a murder investigation after the bodies were found (BirminghamLive)

Paramedics were initially called to the house after a "concern for welfare", and later gained access to the property, where it became "immediately obvious that nothing could be done to save them", West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said.

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WMAS's Senior Operations Manager at Willenhall, Richard Barratt, reportedly 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."

Zahra Khaliq