Man crushed to death by tree in Storm Darragh was assistant manager of football club

The first victim of deadly Storm Darragh[1] - who was killed when a tree fell onto his van near a police headquarters - has been named. Paul Fiddler, aged in his 40s and an assistant manager at a non-league football[2] team, was pronounced dead at the scene on the A59 in Longton, Lancashire[3], on Saturday morning. Emergency services raced to the crash site at around 9am, but the "well-loved coach" sadly succumbed to his injuries and could not be saved.

His death was the first of two linked to the storm, which caused chaos on roads and rail in many parts of the country. Severe weather[4] warnings for wind and rain were in place since Friday evening for many parts of the country, including a rare red "danger to life" warning[5] that saw millions of Brits urged to stay indoors. Lytham Town FC described Mr Fiddler - who worked at a local TV shop - as a "well-loved coach, football player, gaffer but most of all a true friend." The club's website listed him as first team assistant manager.

A 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 pal 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 wrote 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."

A third added: "Rest in peace Paul.

One of the nicest blokes you could ever meet. Thoughts are with your family." A fourth wrote said: "Rest in peace Paul. Such a wonderful person always went out his way to help.

Thank you for all you have done over the years. Sending lots of love and prayers to you and your family right now." Det Sgt Matt Davidson, of Lancashire Police, 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." It comes after a second man died in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon while travelling along Silver Birch Road, in Erdington, when a tree toppled over onto his car.

The man, who has not yet been named, was the second person to die due to fierce winds brought on by Storm Darragh. West Midlands Police[6] said they were called to the scene just after 3pm on Saturday following reports that a tree had fallen and hit a car as a result of the storm conditions. Sergeant Benjamin Parsons, of the force's roads policing unit, said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family at this time, and his next of kin have been informed.

A report will be passed onto the coroner. Anyone who saw what happened or who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage, is asked to please get in touch." This is a breaking news story.

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References

1. ^ Storm Darragh (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ football (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ Lancashire (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ weather (www.mirror.co.uk)
5. ^ a rare red "danger to life" warning (www.mirror.co.uk)
6. ^ West Midlands Police (www.mirror.co.uk)
7. ^ Google News (news.google.com)
8. ^ Flipboard (flipboard.com)
9. ^ Apple News (apple.news)
10. ^ Twitter (twitter.com)
11. ^ Facebook (facebook.com)
12. ^ The Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)