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 on his Citroen van on the A59 in Longton, Lancashire, on Saturday.
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The tragedy happened on the A59 in Longton, Lancashire, at around 9am
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Paul Fiddler died after a tree fell on his van on Saturday
The Lytham Town FC assistant manager was described by his niece Katie Elliott as the “best uncle” after the 9am tragedy.
She wrote on social networks: “You will always be in my heart. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for being the best uncle.”
One friend described him as “an all-around nice guy.”
Friend Barry Wade said: “He always seemed to have a smile on his face”.
Janine Farnell added: “Paul was a lovely guy. So helpful and friendly.”
A spokesperson for Lytham Town FC said in a statement: “Today we would like to take time out to remember 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.”
A friend wrote on social media: “My heart goes out to Paul’s family at this sad time for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Paul was a tremendous support to countless families in their time of need, and his kindness will always be remembered.”
Another said: “So sad. RIP Paul. Fly high lad, and thank you for all you’ve done to help families like mine.
“You will never be forgotten, deepest condolences to his family.”
“Rest in peace Paul. One of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Thoughts are with your family,” added a third.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said on Saturday: “Investigations are ongoing after a man died when a tree fell on his van during the Darragh storm.
“Emergency services were called at around 9am today (Saturday, December 7) to the incident which took place on the A59 in Longton near Lancashire Police headquarters.
“The man, in his 40s, was driving his Citroen van on the dual carriageway when a tree fell on 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 Sergeant Matt Davidson from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Unfortunately this incident has resulted in the death of a man and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.”
“The investigation is ongoing, I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or has any dash cam or mobile phone footage to come forward.”
Storm Darragh claimed another life on Saturday when another man, in Birmingham, died while traveling along the Silver Birch Road, in Erdington.
Strong gusts of wind uprooted the tree, which then fell on his car.
The storm continued to bring disruption yesterday with wind gusts of up to 93 mph reported.
Much of the UK was under a yellow weather warning from 6am to 6pm, with 54 flood warnings issued as the rain continued.
Over 259,000 families woke up without power after power lines fell.
National Grid sent additional teams to deal with the outages. Nine cows sheltering by a hedge died when a power cable snapped on them in Pendeen, Cornwall.
Farmer Eric Murley said: “The wind was as bad as it’s ever been. Terribly.”
A Royal Mail vehicle was also submerged yesterday after the mail went through a 4ft deep draft at Braughing, Herts. He escaped unharmed.
The fourth named storm of the season also disrupted hundreds of trains, ferry lines and flights, and closed roads and bridges.
An Emirates flight traveling from Dubai to Heathrow on Saturday diverted 500 miles to Frankfurt, Germany after four failed landings.
TV producer Jonathan Levi, 46, who was on board, said: “It was very bumpy as we went down, we were rocking from side to side.
“It got scarier every time we tried to land.”
The plane was allowed to return to Heathrow at 8pm, four hours after it was due to land, Jonathan said.
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Paul’s niece paid tribute to the ‘best uncle’
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