A paramedic found dead alongside a woman at his home was the star of Channel 4’s 999: On the Frontline.
Police have launched a murder probe into the deaths of Daniel Duffield, 24, and Lauren Evans, 22, who were found by Duffield’s colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service at his home in Cannock, Staffordshire on Tuesday. The pair are yet to be formally identified.
Paying tribute to her crew mate, fellow ambulance worker Ellie – who appeared alongside Mr Duffield in the Channel 4 documentary as a student paramedic – said she is ‘still trying to come to terms’ with the tragedy.
Millions watched Mr Duffield on the eleventh series of the show, which follows West Midlands Ambulance crews as they respond to 999 calls across the region.
It comes as student mental health nurse Ms Evans, from Bridgend, South Wales, was today pictured for the first time.
Staffordshire Police last night referred itself to the police watchdog over recent contact.
Taking to social media, his crew mate Ellie said: ‘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.’
During his appearance on 999: On the Front Line, Mr Duffield was seen chatting to crew mate Ellie about whether she believed in aliens, before the pair were called out to an emergency involving a suspected stroke patient.
The documentary saw them assess 91-year-old Walter, who had lost feeling in one side of his body, and rush him to hospital.
After speaking to Walter about his late wife, Mr Duffield told the programme: ‘I think it’s difficult when one partner passes away, and the other’s left on their own.’
The paramedic reportedly split up with his former partner at Christmas, but had recently found a new girlfriend.
It is understood Mr Duffield was suffering from mental health problems before his death.
Writing on Facebook on Tuesday night, Mr Duffield’s sister Louise Duffield said: ‘Never ever thought I’d have to write this post (but) my beautiful brother has left us today.
‘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.
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.
‘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 urged the public to avoid speculation about the case as it referred itself to the independent watchdog, the IOPC, over previous contact with Mr Duffield and Ms Evans.
Staffordshire Police referred itself after launching a murder inquiry following the discovery of the two bodies.
The force said it had made the referral to the watchdog due to ‘recent police contact’ in relation to the deaths at a property in Alpine Drive, Hednesford, Cannock.
Police have yet to formally identify those who died but believe them to be 22-year-old Lauren Evans, from Bridgend in South Wales, and 24-year-old Daniel Duffield, from Cannock.
Ambulance service staff found the bodies at about 12.30pm on Tuesday.
Paying tribute, Ashley Gutteridge, 24, who was at school with Daniel in both primary and secondary, said: ‘He was genuinely a good lad and it is very upsetting to read his final letter.
‘I had lost touch with him a bit but still saw him occasionally when he was a paramedic and he seemed to be doing well.
‘People need to be aware of men’s mental health and understand the consequences of what can happen. I especially think those working in emergency services need more support.’
West Midlands Ambulance Service today confirmed Mr Duffield was an employee at the time of his death.
A spokesperson said the man found dead at an address in Hednesford was employed by the Trust as a paramedic at Willenhall Hub.
Senior Operations Manager at Willenhall, 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.’
Staff at WMAS are being provided with specialist support as they come to terms with the death of Daniel.
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.
‘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.’
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: ‘We were called to a concern for welfare at house in Hednesford on Tuesday lunchtime.
‘Two paramedic officers and an ambulance were sent to an address on Alpine Drive.
‘After gaining access to the property at just before 12.20pm, paramedics found a man and a woman inside.
‘Sadly, it was immediately obvious that nothing could be done to save them and ambulance staff immediately alerted Staffordshire Police.’