Channel 4 paramedic’s tragic last phone call revealed as murder probe launched

Tributes have poured in for Daniel Duffield – a young paramedic who starred in Channel 4’s 999: On the Frontline. Police have opened up a murder investigation after the 24-year-old’s body was discovered at a home in Hednesford, in Cannock, Staffordshire, earlier this week, alongside the body of 22-year-old Lauren Evans, of Bridgend, South Wales. The pair have yet to be formally identified.

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.”

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As the investigation continues, the Mirror has examined Daniel’s final hours in a series of tributes paid to him online.

Phone call to friend and meet-up plans

In a heartbreaking tribute shared via Facebook, Daniel’s close friend and fellow paramedic Ellie shared that she is ‘still trying to come to terms’, revealing that she had spoken with him over the phone shortly before he died. They had been due to meet up together this week.

Ellie, who appeared in the Channel 4 doc alongside Daniel, 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 continued: “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.”

‘Rough patch’

In a separate post, another friend, Jasmin Steed, wrote that Daniel had been going through a ‘rough patch’, remarking: “You seemed happy. even though you were not.

“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.”

Beloved pet dog

Taking to Facebook, Daniel’s heartbroken sister Chels vowed to look after her late brother’s beloved dog Milly, who she described as his ‘baby’. Uploading a clip of adorable Milly, Chels promised: “Daniel’s baby Milly don’t worry brother we are looking after her she was a massive part of you so she’s a massive part of us.”

“She’s safe with us I promise we will look after her for you. Wish you was still here I’m so heartbroken you’ve left us all I will never come to terms with it. Every day is going to be a struggle we all miss you and Milly misses you loads. Love you always untill we meet again.”