EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to a beloved football coach killed in Storm Darragh.
Paul Fiddler, who was in his 40s, died after a tree fell onto his Citroen van on the A59 in Longton, Lancashire, on Saturday.
The storm claimed two lives on Saturday as 93mph winds battered the country and left thousands of homes without power.
The Lytham Town FC assistant manager was described as the “best uncle” by niece Katie Elliott following the 9am tragedy.
She wrote on social media: “You will always be in my heart. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me and for being the best uncle.”
One friend described him as an “all round nice guy”.
Pal Barry Wade said: “He always seemed to have a smile on his face”.
Janine Farnell added: “Paul was a lovely chap. So helpful and friendly.”
A Lytham Town FC spokesman said in a statement: “Today, we would like to take the time to remember a Lytham Town FC legend, Paul Fiddler.
“Our thoughts are with the Lytham Town lads, his friends and family at this time.
“Rest in Peace Paul. We will miss you.”
One friend wrote on social media: “My heart goes out to Paul’s family during this sad time for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Paul was a massive support for countless families in their moments of need, and his kindness will always be remembered.”
Another said: “So very sad. RIP Paul. Fly high lad, and thank you for everything you did to help families like mine.
“You will never be forgotten, deepest condolences to his family.”
“Rest in peace Paul. One of the nicest blokes you could ever meet. Thoughts are with your family,” added a third.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said on Saturday: “An investigation is underway after a man died when a tree fell onto his van during Storm Darragh.
“Emergency services were called at around 9am today (Saturday, December 7th) after the incident which happened on the A59 at Longton near to Lancashire Police Headquarters.
“The man, in his 40s, was driving his Citroen van on the dual carriageway when the tree fell on to his vehicle causing serious injuries. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer.”
Detective Sgt Matt Davidson, of our Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Very sadly this incident has resulted in the death of a man and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.”
“An investigation is ongoing, and I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or has any dashcam or mobile phone footage to please get in touch.”
Storm Darragh claimed another life on Saturday when a second man, in Birmingham, died while travelling along Silver Birch Road, in Erdington.
Strong gusts uprooted a tree from its roots, which then fell on his car.
The storm continued to bring disruption on Saturday with wind gusts of up to 93mph recorded.
Much of the UK was under a yellow weather warning from 6am to 6pm, and 54 flood warnings were issued as rain lingered.
Over 259,000 families woke to no electricity after power lines were downed.
The National Grid sent out extra teams to tackle outages. Nine cows sheltering beside a hedge were killed when a power cable was blown on them at Pendeen, Cornwall.
Farmer Eric Murley said: “The wind was as bad as it’s ever been. Horrible.”
A Royal Mail van was also swept underwater after a postie drove through a 4ft deep ford at Braughing, Herts. He escaped unhurt.
The season’s fourth named storm also saw hundreds of trains, ferry services and flights axed and roads and bridges closed.
An Emirates plane travelling to Heathrow on Saturday from Dubai diverted 500 miles to Frankfurt in Germany after four failed landings.
TV producer Jonathan Levi, 46, who was on-board, said: “As we were descending it was very bumpy, we were swinging from side to side.
“It was getting progressively scarier every time we tried to land.”
The jet was allowed to return to Heathrow at 8pm, four hours after it was due to land, said Jonathan.
