Tributes have been paid to reportedly missing Watford resident Daniel Dunton after police announced they had found a body in their search.
Daniel was first reported missing by Herts Police on January 3. Eight days later, it was revealed that a body, believed to be Daniel, was sadly discovered in woodland.
A police spokesperson stated: “We are not treating the death as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
“Our thoughts are with Daniel’s family and friends at this very difficult time. We please ask that they are given privacy as they mourn their loss.”
Daniel was a former Oxhey Jets player, and the club paid tribute to him by hosting a minute’s silence across its numerous teams the following weekend.
After the news broke, the club made a statement: “Tonight as a whole the hearts of us all at Oxhey Jets and hundreds of others effected are broken. We send out our sincere condolences to the family and friends and loved ones of Daniel, a former player for the club, and we pray that peace comes with this devastating news.”
On Sunday, January 14, the match between QPR and Watford also featured moments of respect.
Elton John’s song Daniel rang out through Loftus Road pre-match, whilst in the 30th minute, the crowd came together for a minute’s applause for Daniel, who passed away age 30.
The applause was arranged by Daryl Matthews, who had been keeping up to date with the police appeals.
After speaking to Oxhey Jets and Daniel’s sister, Hollie, Daryl then reached out to QPR and Sky Sports, who were broadcasting the game and were able to explain the applause in their coverage.
Daryl, who is involved with Croydon FC and Orpington FC, said: “In this instance, any football rivalries go out of the window and as a football community, we all come together as one. The story really touched me & I wanted the family to have a memory that they could remember Daniel by, as well as bringing the football community together on the day.”
Watford FC legend Luther Blissett OBE tweeted: “Lovely gesture for one minute applause tribute to Daniel by all fans attending Sunday. Football family coming together in sorrow. RIP young man.”
Photo credit: Oxhey Jets FC
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