Every year Lincolnshire Live reports on a number of tragic and heartbreaking events.

Sadly, 2019 has been no different.

A number of lives have been lost across the county bringing heartbreak to all who knew them.

Lincolnshire Live has looked back at some of the lives we lost this year whose memory will live on in the memory of their loved ones.

Devon Marson-Gregory

Mum Sammy Marson and dad Darran Gregory saying their goodbyes to baby Devon

The family of Devon Marson-Gregory were left heartbroken after he died just days before Christmas.

The nine-month-old baby, who was brain-damaged from birth, was initially taken to to see a doctor at Swineshead Medical Practice on December 19 after she noticed his hands and feet have become very cold.

His mum, Sammy says she was advised to take him home and give him Calpol.

However, his condition worsened and he stopped breathing just after midnight.

Doctors and medics at Boston Pilgrim Hospital tried to save him but he was pronounced dead just hours later.

Sammy said: "We could not grieve for Devon because we had police officers in the room with at the hospital.

"Even the police were asking themselves why they were there.

"We are absolutely devastated to lose Devon - we want to remember him as our little fighter.

Read the full story here

James Brown

Scores of tributes were paid to James Brown from Lincoln after his body was found in Boultham Park in the morning of Thursday, November 21.

The popular 21-year-old was believed to have taken his own life, leaving all who knew him devastated.

A statement from his family read: "“James Brown our much loved brother, uncle and friend took his own life at the young age of 24.

“We are devastated as a family.

“Everybody who met James loved him, he had the cheekiest of smiles and a great personality.”

Read the full story here

Grace Millane

Grace Millane

 

2019 was the year the family of Grace Millane were in court as a man was found guilty of murdering their daughter.

The 22-year-old's death prompted scores of tributes around the world after she was murdered after going on a Tinder date in New Zealand in December last year.

Her family were forced to endure heart-breaking details about what happened to their daughter, who had just graduated from the University of Lincoln, including how her body had been left in a suitcase while her killer, who can't be named for legal reasons, went on another date.

After the conviction they said: "This will be with us for the rest of our lives. Grace was a beautiful, talented, loving daughter.

"Grace was our sunshine and she will be missed forever."

Read the full story here

James Walker

Charlotte Talbot says she will always love her boyfriend James Walker after his shock death
Charlotte Talbot says she will always love her boyfriend James Walker after his shock death

 

The death of James Walker from Lincoln left even those closest to him stunned as well as devastated.

The 23-year-old was found dead by his girlfriend Charlotte Talbot at the home they shared in the city on November 1.

After his death, she said: "He was so loving and caring. He wanted to do anything for me.

“James always said that whatever he does is always for me.

“He wanted to make me happy – I was always his priority.”

Friends also paid tributes and thousands of pounds were raised for a mental health charity after his life-long friend, Brad Thornton scaled Scafell Pike with 40 others while carrying a rowing machine on his back.

Read the full story here

Naiomi Edwards

 

A community was left devastated after the death of Naiomi Edwards on October 9.

The 15-year-old was travelling on a bike with a boy one year younger than her when they were involved in a collision with a lorry in Newark Road in North Hykeham.

Flowers were left at the scene of the tragic incident, which left the boy seriously injured.

A number of tributes were also paid online. Georgie Symonds said: "I cannot believe you’re no longer here. I will remember all of our memories and cherish them always, fly high beautiful angel."

Read the full story here

Stephen Hughes

Stephen Hughes pictured with daughters Ruby and Eliza.
Stephen Hughes pictured with daughters Ruby and Eliza.

 

A good friend of Sleaford dad Stephen Huges paid tribute to him after he died on October 18 from pancreatic cancer.

The 52-year-old put up a brave fight against the disease and left behind his wife Sally and their two daughters, Ruby, 8, and Eliza, 7.

Ted Heath served in the Army with Steve and said the pair had only just got back in touch.

He said: “He always had a smile on his face. He was very happy and go-lucky.

“As I remember as a 16-year-old he always had a fag on. He was just somebody who would make you laugh.

“He was a lovely, all-round, normal bloke.”

Read the full story here

Dakota Read

Dakota with mum Paula Wheeldon

 

Dakota Read's death in June left all who knew her devastated.

The 15-year-old, from Heckington, suffered from Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy after complications during her birth meant she was starved of oxygen, leaving her in need 24-hour care.

Sadly she died in hospital in June this year.

However, despite her condition she didn't let this get in the way of enjoying life.

Her mum, Paula Wheeldon said: "She was sassy and pretty. She was very girly - she loved her nails, she loved to go out shopping and loved parties.

"She loved her music and loved musicals. She was very out going and loved animals. She was amazing."

Read the full story here

Carl 'CJ' Mulhall

Carl Mulhall was a doting dad to daughter Ella and a loving fiancé to Katie Sanderson
Carl Mulhall was a doting dad to daughter Ella and a loving fiancé to Katie Sanderson

 

Carl Mulhall's shock death on October 11 left his loved ones heartbroken.

The 20-year-old had gone to bed with fiance Katie Sanderson when he began complaining of pain in his chest.

He quickly lost his vision and collapsed at their Gainsborough home and was pronounced dead after being taken to Lincoln County Hospital.

Katie, who has a young daughter called Ella with CJ said: “Carl was the most caring, lovable person you could have in your life,” she said.

“He loved his little girl with all his heart.

“He was my fiance and everything you can imagine in someone like that, he was that.

“I shared my laughs with him and my tears.

“He was really helpful. If someone wanted help he would be there straightaway.”

Read the full story here

Christopher Rushton

The Rushton family

 

Much-loved family man Christopher Rushton died from an undiagnosed heart condition in July 2019 this year.

The 32-year-old had been at home in Lincoln when he tragically died.

His parents, Christine and Bob Rushton, along with a number of family members, took part in the CRY Heart of Durham walk to raise money for the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) that helps screen thousands of young people for heart conditions every year.

"We have lost our wonderful son which has broke all our hearts," Christine.

"The Durham Walk is about raising awareness in the hope that this doesn't happen to other families."

Read the full story here

Angie Dowsett

Angie Dowsett has died after a tragic accident while in France
Angie Dowsett has died after a tragic accident while in France

 

Angie Dowsett tragically died after falling off some stairs and hitting her head in France.

The devoted mum had been climbing down from her caravan to help a man who had asked for some medication when she tripped.

Her devastated children joined her partner Malcolm to say a final goodbye before she passed away.

“It was the hardest thing I have ever done,” her son Ross said.

“I said we knew she would always be looking out for us.

“I knew she would miss me getting married and having children, but I said I knew she would always be there for me and we would always make her proud.”

Read the full story here

Demi Knight

Demi Knight
Demi Knight

 

Demi Knight passed away four years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, her devastated family revealed.

The 12-year-old's battle was well documented after she was told she had Medulloblastoma in December 2015.

Initially, she had been given the all clear in 2016, but the cancer returned and her family decided earlier this year they could not put her through more gruelling treatment.

She died on September 13.

Fay Sugden, a close family friend, said: "At 7.50am this morning on Friday, September 13, Demi Knight, the bravest most courageous little girl I’ve ever had the honour of knowing took her final breath and made her final journey up to Heaven.

"Fly high Demi, it’s time for you to spread your wings and play amongst the rainbows."

Read the full story here

Mark Page

Mark Page was an animal lover and had worked collecting bins.
Mark Page was an animal lover and had worked collecting bins.

 

Mark's family were left devastated after a police officer knocked on their door to say he had been found dead.

The 33-year-old lived with mental health problems and was believed to have taken his own life on February 6.

He left behind five children aged between 13 and six, as well as 12 brothers and sisters.

His older sister, Michelle, said his death has hit them all hard.

“He was a proper grafter,” his sister said.

“We had an extension done at our house and he was round everyday helping.

“Mark helped with the animal protection [Michelle cares for disadvantaged animals]. He loved animals and would help me look for lost dogs and cats.

“When doing the bin rounds he used to take biscuits in his pocket for the dogs.”

Karen Land

Karen Land has been diagnosed with terminal cancer

 

The firefighter and mum of five was told she only had months to live in 2017 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

A year later a scan showed she was cancer free and the woman admitted herself she was a "walking miracle".

However, the disease returned and she died on February 19.

Her mum, Sue Harvey said: “It is with great sadness that I have to update you that my beautiful and brave daughter lost her fight with cancer this afternoon. 

“I appreciate everything everyone has done for Karen in supporting her through her fight.”

Read the full story here

Sam McConnell

Sam McConnell with her children

 

Single mother Sam McConnell passed away on March 11 after a brave fight against pancreatic cancer.

After her shock diagnosis the 46-year-old vowed to do all she could to create happy memories for Grace, 5, and Rory, 2, who were born after she spent £12,000 on IVF.

She courageously battling on despite doctors telling her she could have just weeks left to live.

But sadly Miss McConnell, who had served in the RAF including at Digby, passed away on March 11, leaving all who knew her devastated.

Tina Bussell, a close friend of Sam's lead the tributes. She said: "Sam was a vibrant member of her local community, taking part in choirs, musical mummies and other support groups in the city,” she said.  

“Choosing to home educate her daughter Grace, Sam was part of a mutual supporting gang of likeminded parents. 

“A testimony to her philosophy was to always be kind, and ensure no-one was lonely, Sam took her children along when befriending elderly neighbours.

Read the full story here

Jordan O'Brien

Jordan O'Brien, 25, is fighting for his life after an alleged attack in Gainsborough
Jordan O'Brien, 25, was allegedly attacked in Gainsborough

 

Jordan died on April 2 this year after he suffered catastrophic injuries after being attacked with a machete on Wednesday, March 27 in Gainsborough.

His injuries were so severe that doctors amputated his leg in a bid to save his life, but he later died.

Kieran Walker, 23, was later sentenced to life and ordered that he must spend at least 28 years behind bars after being convicted for murder.

Following Walker’s conviction Jordan's family said: "Jordan was a much-loved son and was one of eight children. He was a devoted dad to his three children and cherished his fiancée Darcie Mae."

"He had such a happy family life ahead of him. He did everything for his family. 

“He was the life and soul of any party or family gathering he attended. Jordan loved dancing and loved to show off his moves.

"His continuous banter kept everyone smiling. He would light up a room."

Read the full story here

Alexander Buchan

Alexander Buchan, 14, was found dead in Holbeach by police
Alexander Buchan, 14, was found dead in Holbeach by police

 

Alexander Buchan's death sparked an outpouring of grief among all who knew him.

The 14-year-old was found dead by police at a home in Fleet Street, Holbeach, during the early hours of Saturday, April 6.

His sister, Beth Donnelly, 19, who lives in Spalding, said: “He was the sweetest little boy. He never would have hurt anyone. He always wanted to be friends with everyone.

“He was always someone you could just give kisses and cuddles to.

“There are literally no words to describe him.

“He was a brilliant little boy.”

Read the full story here

Dave Disney

Dave Dinsey has died after a brave fight with cancer
Dave Dinsey has died after a brave fight with cancer

 

Dave sadly lost a battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 9.

He had become seriously ill after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August last year, but bravely soldiered on.

The doting family man, 59, from Crowland was well known in the south of the county after setting up the Tourmaster Coaches company with wife, Terri, who has since had to close the business.

Paying tribute, his daughter-in-law Sofi Cook said: “Dave was a straight talking, no nonsense man that was completely wrapped around his grandchildren’s fingers.

“He loved spending time with his family and his dogs.

“He was a great businessman but a better husband, father and granddad.

“Terri had made decision to close Tourmaster to spend more time with him but unfortunately he lost his fight before he could see Tourmaster close for good.”

Read the full story here

Emma Payne

Emma Payne was found dead in her house in Lincoln
Emma Payne was found dead in her house in Lincoln

 

The heartbroken mum of Emma Payne opened up about her heartbreak after the shock death of her daughter on April 10.

The former Yarborough pupil was setting up her new home and her mum had been due to go round to see the home – and the pair had even had a conversation that morning.

However, later on there was a knock on the 51-year-old’s door with police officers breaking the devastating news that Emma had been found dead.

The mum paid an emotional tribute. She said: “Emma was very caring and was always there for all of her friends and everybody.

“She was very loyal and helpful.

“She was lovely.”

Read the full story here

Jamie Elsom

Jamie was described as "lovely and funny"

 

The brave 12-year-old lost his fight with a rare form of cancer on April 22 this year.

The schoolboy from Heckington had been battling Ewing's Sarcoma, a type of cancer, which forms in bones or soft tissue.

Mum Donna Elsom says he left his mark on everyone he met and was heroic in his battle against the disease.

"He'd got lots of friendship groups and even his football team was a year older than him," Donna said.

"He was lovely and he was funny."

Read the full story here