Police are treating her death as murder.
The family of a nurse found dead alongside her TV paramedic boyfriend have paid tribute to a ‘special person’ taken from them ‘prematurely and unnecessarily’.
Lauren Evans, 22, from Bridgend in South Wales, and her partner Daniel Duffield, 24, were discovered at a house in Hednesford, Staffordshire, on June 25.
Police say they are treating Lauren’s death as murder and are not looking for anyone else in connection with either death.
Paramedic Daniel had appeared on the Channel 4’s documentary series 999: On The Frontline.
In a statement issued through police yesterday, Lauren’s family said: ‘On the 25 June 2024 we tragically, prematurely and unnecessarily had our beautiful daughter Lauren taken from us at the tender age of 22.
‘Lauren was truly beautiful inside and out and will forever be in our memories.
‘She was adored by her parents, younger sister, grandparents, family and friends because she was a gorgeous, soft natured, sweet girl whose smile would brighten even the darkest of days.
The family continued: ‘Lauren’s thoughtful, caring and loving nature made her endearing to so many during her short life and she had so much more love to give and smiles to share with family and friends in the future.”
‘Lauren loved our family dog, Poppy, and her little puppy, Milly, with the two of them forming such a strong mutual bond in only the short time they sadly had together.’
The family said Lauren had ‘achieved academic success’ and was soon to start a career in mental health nursing’, which they said she would have excelled at.
They added: ‘A special person has been lost to so many who had the privilege to know her and to those who would have had the pleasure of meeting her in the future.
‘We have lost a special daughter, with her sister, losing a loving companion and soul mate who wanted to share so many more experiences with Lauren.
‘You were always loved, will always be in our memories and by our side and we will unconditionally love you forever Lauren.’
The family finished the statement by asking that their privacy be respected and that they be allowed to grieve for their ‘cherished Lauren’.
Detective Inspector Louise Booker, from Staffordshire Police’s major investigations department, said: ‘Following the launch of our investigation and inquiries conducted by our major investigations team, we are treating Lauren’s death as a murder.
‘We want to reassure the community that we are not seeking any other party in connection with Lauren’s death and are continuing to build a file for HM Coroner.
‘I can’t begin to imagine the pain that the families are feeling after this tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the families of those affected.’
Post-mortem examinations for both Lauren and Daniel were completed last month, but their cause of death was not released by police, who said this would be a matter for an inquest at a future date.
Staffordshire Police previously said it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to the case because of ‘recent police contact’.
Daniel’s death was described as ‘a great tragedy’ by colleague Richard Barratt, a senior operations manager at Willenhall, where he worked.
He previously said: ‘Daniel Duffield was a well-known member of staff and always keen to help and support his colleagues.’
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