FAMILY’S DOUBLE TRAGEDY
Brother, 22, dies just weeks after burying his 27-year-old sibling
LOVED ONES’ AGONY AS LAD OF 22 DIES JUST THREE WEEKS AFTER BURYING BROTHER, 27
He just couldn’t live without his brother. The pair of them were inseparable Leanne Hayter
TRAGIC Darryl Smith’s loved ones have been left “absolutely broken” after his younger brother Dylan also died over the weekend.
Just 22, Dylan died less than three weeks after burying his “best friend, brother and father figure”.
“A cheeky chappy with an infectious smile”, Dylan was described as someone who brought happiness to everyone around him.
An outpouring of heartfelt tributes have flooded social media, including from brother Liam, who wrote: “Words cannot describe how I feel to lose you as well. “Give Darryl a hug from me.” Shortly after the loss of his brother, Dylan wrote on Facebook: “My best friend, brother and dad all in one. I can’t put into words how devastating this is.
“I thank you all for your kind words. I don’t [know] how I can reply to any of your messages.
“He was an inspiration to a lot of people and I am truly amazed by the response of the people in Blyth that have [come] together.”
After Darryl’s death in June, more than £9,000 was raised to send him off in style, with a horsedrawn carriage carrying him through Blyth.
Hundreds also gathered by the town’s beach to remember the loving 27-year-old father and release balloons – many featuring personal messages and tributes.
Now, just weeks on from the tragedy, the grieving family face more agony following Dylan’s passing.
A fundraising page has been set up by family friend Leanne Hayter, who said: “Dylan was a Jack the Lad; a real cheeky chappy with an infectious smile and the life and soul of the party.
“A real family boy, when his brother died he did everything he could for Darryl’s young daughter.
“He just couldn’t live without his brother. The pair of them were inseparable.
“His family are devastated, broken, just absolutely broken.”
The 37-year-old mum of four, who moved to Seaton Sluice from Blyth, said she was astonished by the outpouring of grief and support following Darryl’s death. In less than a day, the crowdfunding efforts have raised £322 and Leanne added: “My children grew up with the boys, and watching your best friends deal with this is heartbreaking. “They’ve just had to bury their oldest son – and now this. We just want to help relieve them of some of the pressure. It feels like the whole of Blyth has come together. I’ve never experienced anything like it – it’s absolutely amazing.
“We’d like to say a personal thank you from family and friends for all the support after Darryl’s death that is now continuing for his brother. “We will all miss them like crazy.” The crowdfunding page can been found at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leanne-hayter