THE heartbroken family of a “truly beautiful” nurse, 22, who was found dead last week with her Channel 4 star boyfriend have issued an emotional tribute.
Lauren Evans, from Bridgend, in South Wales, was tragically discovered lifeless alongside Daniel Duffield in Hednesford, Cannock on June 25.
The Channel 4 star and his girlfriend were found in the property, on Alpine Drive, by paramedics at around 12.30pm.
Cops have since launched a murder probe into the couple’s death.
Following the launch of our investigation and enquiries conducted by our Major Investigations team, we are treating Lauren’s death as a murder
Detective Inspector Louise Booker
In a moving tribute, Lauren’s devastated family said: “On June 25, 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.
“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.
Our enquiries into a murder investigation in Hednesford are continuing after two people were found dead inside a house.
At about 12.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 25 June), we were alerted by our colleagues at West Midlands Ambulance Service who were at an address on Alpine Drive in Hednesford.
Sadly, a woman and a man were found dead inside.
Formal identification is still due to take place, but we believe both of their identities to be 22-year-old Lauren Evans, from Bridgend, South Wales, and 24-year-old Daniel Duffield, from Cannock.
A team of specially-trained officers are continuing to support their families at this distressing time.
We’ve referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to recent police contact.
A number of officers are still in the area today carrying out enquiries to understand more about what happened.
“Lauren achieved academic success and was soon to start her chosen career in mental health nursing, in which we know she would have excelled and been an attentive and caring nurse.
“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.
“We kindly request that the family’s privacy is respected, and we are allowed to grieve for our cherished Lauren in peace at this sad and traumatic time”.
Lauren was a student Mental Health Nurse from Bridgend in South Wales.
Meanwhile, Daniel was a paramedic and star of the Channel 4 show 999: On The Front Line – which follows ambulance crews as they respond to calls.
Duffield appeared on the eleventh series of the show, which followed West Midlands Ambulance crews.
It is understood the couple were in a relationship, with their social media accounts littered with images of the pair together.
Detective Inspector Louise Booker, from Staffordshire’s Major Investigations Department, said: “Following the launch of our investigation and enquiries 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.”
Daniel’s sister has also paid tribute on social media, saying she never thought she would have to write the post about her “beautiful brother”.
She said: “My beautiful brother has left us today I’m so distraught you’ve gone.
“I will never come to terms with it that your no longer here.
“You was 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 was 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 RIP brother.”
The tragedy came just days after Daniel and Lauren snapped a photo together on a date.
And, it was revealed the Channel 4 star spoke to a pal over the phone just an hour before his death.
Daniel’s crewmate and friend Ellie Johnson revealed she had spoken to him “an hour” before his death to make plans to see each other.
She 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 added: “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.”
