Update: Young Broadheath dad died after falling from balcony while on holiday

1:40pm Friday 5th December 2008

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a young dad-of-one from Broadheath who died while on holiday in Spain.

Former Greeen Lane High School pupil Daron Parkes, 22, also known as ‘Wizzo’, fell to his death from a hotel balcony.

Daron, father to Lewis and brother to Christopher and Warren, was a commercial vehicle paint sprayer for The Cartwright Group, located on Atlantic Street.

He had been taken on in 2002 as one of a batch of 55 apprentices. In his first year at the company he was named Apprentice of the Year.

Having started as an apprentice paint sprayer Daron, an avid Manchester United supporter, completed his apprenticeship and became a valued member of the company’s paint shop department.

Company director, Steven Cartwright, said: “Daron was a very hard working member of our staff and was a really good guy. He will be very fondly remembered by everyone here, as he was a friendly and well-liked part of our team.

“He had proved to be excellent at his trade and his attitude from day one was fantastic.

“At this time our thoughts and our sympathies are with Daron’s family.’’ Daron’s manager, Brian Rogers, added: “Daron was very approachable and polite with a mature head on his shoulders. He was a real character and his death has sent shock waves through the department. He will be sadly missed and was very popular.”

Daron’s direct supervisor, Steve Cross, said: “I first met Daron when he was 16 and he was a smashing lad who was always willing to help and was happy with life. He was very amicable and enthusiastic and he will be missed by the colleagues who grew up with him, who are devastated by the news.”

The company, which employs 500 at its Broadheath site, has raised more than £1,000 in a collection that will be handed over to Daron’s grieving family.

It is believed that Daron had gone abroad for a friend’s birthday celebration when the tragedy occurred.

Mike Edwards, The Cartwright’s head of human resources, said: “Everyone at the company is absolutely distraught at what has happened. It has hit us all very hard.

“Our hearts go out to Daron’s family.”

A statement issued by Green Lane High School, now Altrincham College of Arts, said: "Daron was a pupil here from 1997 to 2002. He was a bright, friendly boy who was a credit to his family and the school. He enjoyed sport and was very protective of his family.

"After school he went to work at Cartwright’s, where he was very highly regarded. He will be sadly missed by everyone at Altrincham College of Arts."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm that a British national called Daron Parkes died in Benal Madena on the Costa del Sol on November 15.

"Death occurred from a fall at the Sunset Beach Club Hotel. Consulate assistance is being provided to his family."

The coroner confirmed the inquest had been opened and since adjourned pending proceedings at the Spanish authorities.

His funeral will take place at Altrincham Crematorium today (December 5) at 3pm.

Daron’s colleagues from the paint shop and the pre-delivery inspection department – which share the same building as the paint shop – will be attending the funeral. Many other Cartwright employees are also attending the funeral, with many taking the day off in honour of him.

Leave your tributes to Daron below.