Paramedic and Girlfriend Found Dead After Sharing Romantic ‘Date Night’ Photos

A paramedic who was found dead at his home with his girlfriend had shared photos from romantic “date nights” together just days before they were discovered. Police have launched a murder investigation 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, told Daily Mail.

The pair, who were in a relationship, have yet to be formally identified. Duffield’s social media is filled with recent photos of him and Evans, including one from a bowling alley captioned, “Friday fun date night.” Earlier this year, Duffield shared a composite image of the couple, thanking Evans for “always being there” for him, with the caption: “Appreciation post [heart emoji] for always being there and supporting me! Thank you for everything, adore you so much.”

Duffield was also known for his appearance on Channel 4’s “999: On the Frontline,” where he was featured as an ambulance crew member. His crewmate Ellie expressed her grief on social media, saying, “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 crewmate 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”, via The Independent.

Ellie also shared a poignant memory of their last conversation, saying, “Even the phone call we had this morning an hour before you [were] gone I’ll never forget, love you forever Dan.”

Daniel’s sister also paid tribute, saying, “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, and laugh, and 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. You were the best brother I could have ever asked for. Forever 24. RIP Daniel Duffield. I’ll always miss you and love you forever until we meet again.”

Police have urged the public to avoid speculation about the case as it has been referred to the independent watchdog, the IOPC, over previous contact with Duffield and Evans. Staffordshire Police made the referral after launching a murder inquiry following the discovery of the two bodies. The force said it had made the referral due to ‘recent police contact’ in relation to the deaths at a property in Alpine Drive, Hednesford, Cannock.

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that Duffield was an employee at the time of his death, working as a paramedic at Willenhall Hub. Richard Barratt, Senior Operations Manager at Willenhall, 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 during his time as a paramedic. Our thoughts go out to the families of both of those found at the scene.”

Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison from Staffordshire Police 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.”

Police are continuing to carry out inquiries and have asked anyone with information to get in touch.