Tributes paid as ‘passionate’ student nurse found dead
Tributes have been paid to a student nurse who was found dead last week.
The bodies of mental health nursing student Lauren Evans, 22, from Bridgend, South Wales, and 24-year-old paramedic Daniel Duffield, from Cannock, Staffordshire, were found at a house on Tuesday, 25 June.
“This incident has understandably devastated the families and loved ones of those involved”
Nicki Addison
Staffordshire Police confirmed to Nursing Times that an inquest would be opened into the two deaths in due course, after officers found the two dead at a property in Hednesford, Staffordshire. No one else is being sought in relation to the deaths.
Ms Evans was studying mental health nursing at Swansea University at the time of her death.
A university spokesperson said she was in her third year of study. Paying tribute, the spokesperson said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Lauren Evans who was a final year mental health nursing student at Swansea University.
“Lauren was passionate about nursing and showed huge determination and dedication during her time at Swansea University.
“She will be greatly missed by her fellow students and staff. Our thoughts are with Lauren’s family at this time, and we extend our deepest condolences at their tragic loss.”
Dozens of tributes were also paid on social media to both Ms Evans and Mr Duffield, the latter of whom had previously appeared on the Channel 4 series 999: On the Frontline while working as a paramedic.
Writing on Facebook, Mr Duffield’s sister said: “You were such a bright soul, always helping other people making them smile, laugh [and] saving lives.”
She added: “I’ll always miss you and love you forever until we meet again.”
Detective superintendent Nicki Addison, of Staffordshire Police’s major investigations department, said investigations were ongoing.
She said: “This incident has understandably devastated the families and loved ones of those involved.
“We’d like to reiterate that the families have asked for their privacy to be respected at this tragic time. Please respect that.
“And again, we’d like to remind you that speculation is unhelpful and hurtful to the families – and can hinder our investigation.”
Both Staffordshire Police and South Wales Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after the two deaths, ITV reported.
This referral was made due to “previous police contact”.
