Daniel Duffield, 24, and Lauren Evans, 22, were found dead over two weeks ago. Lauren’s family have now revealed their heartbreak at the loss of a girl whose “smile would brighten even the darkest of days”
The family of a 22-year-old nurse who was found dead alongside her paramedic boyfriend have opened up on their devastation at losing a “loving companion and soul mate”.
Daniel Duffield, 24, and Lauren Evans, 22, were found dead on June 25 at Daniel’s home in the Hednesford area of Staffordshire County. Staffordshire Police have confirmed that Lauren’s death is being treated as a murder after emergency services discovered her body alongside that of Daniel – who had previously appeared in Channel 4 documentary series 999: On The Frontline.
Lauren, originally from Bridgend, south Wales, was described as a “gorgeous, soft-nature, sweet girl whose smile would brighten even the darkest of days”, and described it as a “sad and traumatic time”. They said that Lauren was successful academically and was soon to specialise in a career in mental health nursing.
Police are not looking for any third part in connection with the deaths and are currently building a file for the coroner. They were first alerted to the deaths by West Midlands Ambulance Service, who found the bodies at an address in Alpine Drive in Hednesford.
The family’s statement 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.
“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.
“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.”
Detective Inspector Louise Booker of Staffordshire Police 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.”
