‘Andrew was our whole world ... We’ve lost everything’
THE heartbroken partner of a man believed to have been murdered said she has lost her “best friend”.
Andrew Darn, 35, died after being found with stab wounds on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Shields, North Tyneside, on Wednesday.
Members of the public performed CPR on the dad-of-three, from North
Shields, until paramedics arrived.
However, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was confirmed dead at the scene.
Andrew leaves behind his partner of 18 years Stephanie, their three young children, his mother, father, brother, sister and grandmother.
On Easter Sunday, his devastated family issued a heart-wrenching tribute to him.
Stephanie, who had been in a relationship with Andrew since he was 17, said: “Andrew was our whole world, as we were his. I don’t have many words. Just that he is gone too soon, and we loved him. It’s not fair on the kids.
“He’s my best friend – I’ve lost my best friend, my other half. My heart hurts. I’ve got this pain in my chest since I was told, and I don’t know what to do to make it go away. I don’t want to get out of bed, but I had to for the kids. We’ve lost everything.”
Andrew’s mum Deborah and dad Michael said he worked away with his dad for more than 12 years where he was well-liked and respected by everyone he met. They said Andrew’s brother, Nathan, would call him his “brother bear”.
Deborah said: “When he was six weeks old, he had an operation to remove two lumps from under his jaw. He still has the scars there now – they’ve always been there. We just can’t believe he’s been taken from us. His babies don’t know where he is.”
Northumbria Police said Andrew’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers at this time. His
family added: “We have lost a very big part of our life. He was well-loved by everyone; kind-hearted and soft. Andrew joined us in this world as soon as he possibly could as a baby, he just wanted to meet us.
“He had three loves in his life: work, Steph and the kids, and fishing – not necessarily in that order! He
loved carp fishing and would go as often as he could. As long as he was fishing, he was happy.”
Alder Willis, 68, of Allanville, Camperdown, North Tyneside, has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police using the ‘Report’ pages of their website or call 101, quoting reference: NP-20240327-0154.
Members of the public can also provide information and submit materials in connection with this investigation by visiting the force’s dedicated Major Incident Public Portal online.