Romeo and Juliet
DAZED friends of tragic Tony Lightburn and Rachel Wiszniewska have told of the doomed couple’s blossoming romance that was cut tragically short.
The new couple were found dead together at Tony’s home a week ago, and today as tributes flood in, friends told how happy Tony, 35, and 36-year-old Rachel had been.
Nicola Moran wrote on Facebook: “RIP Rach and Tony. Think everyone is still in shock, such a funloving girl with so much to look forward to, it’s been lovely watching her and Tony get closer on Facebook , 100 photos a day, their future was bright.”
And Dani Dodds said: “Fly high Rach. You’re gonna be a miss. RIP Tony well done for making her smile again.”
Dani Atkinson added: “RIP Rach can’t believe you’re gone. Glad Tony made you smile again.”
The couple’s bodies were found at taxi driver Tony’s Newcastle home last Saturday.
Police are not treating their deaths as suspicious, and relatives are now making arrangements for their funerals.
Loved ones of Rachel have launched a fundraising drive for her send-off.
Tony grew up in the Deckham area of Gateshead with parents Lyn and Wizz and brother Chris. Hayley Murray, who was at school with him, told how her childhood pal had seemed happy with his new girlfriend.
“They hadn’t been together very long but she seemed like a lovely girl and they both seemed really, really happy together,” the 36-year-old tattoo artist said.
“I was buzzing for him. It’s such a shame. It’s a bit of a Romeo and Juliet.”
And paying tribute to Tony, Hayley added: “I have known him since primary school. We grew up together. He was as daft as a brush, he was a little tinker, but me and him were always the ones that stuck up for one another. With him being mixed race he got a little bit of stick in the 80s, but he gave as good as he got. I only met Rachel once but she seemed lovely.”
Emergency services were called to Tony’s home, on Monkchester Road in Walker, and the couple were pronounced dead.
Police said they do not believe anyone else was involved, and officers prepared a report for the coroner.
A spokeswoman said: “At 9.43am on Saturday we received a report of concern for welfare for two people at an address in Monkchester Road, Walker.
“Police and emergency services attended the address, where they found an unresponsive male and female. The 35-year-old man and the 36-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Their families are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.
“There is not believed to be any third-party involvement. A report has been prepared for the coroner.”
Tony’s funeral will be held at 10.15am on Friday at Newcastle’s West Road Cemetery and will be followed by a wake at the PTE Club in Byker.
A death notice said: “Tony Carrick (T). Dearly loved son of Wizz and Lyn. Also a much loved brother of Chris. T will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends.”
It went on: “Flowers welcome or donations, if desired, to the People’s Kitchen. All welcome back to the PTE Club in Byker for refreshments.”
Meanwhile, funds are being raised online for Rachel’s funeral. Jaz Holder, set up a fundraising page on Facebook. He wrote: “As most of you know we have lost two very special people this week and already we now need to start thinking about a funeral. If you can give anything small or large it would be totally appreciated. This is a shock to the full family and we were never prepared for this. So we need to gather some funds if you can help.” More than £1,000 has been donated to the fundraising effort.