Tributes paid to "lovely lad" Russell Baxter, 41, amid murder investigation in Barnsley

Friends and loved ones have paid tribute to the victim of a suspected murder in Barnsley.

Russell Baxter was found dead at an address on Wingfield Road, Athersley South, after paramedics were called to the scene on the evening of September 3.

He was 41 years old.

A murder investigation is underway, however a post-mortem examination carried out on September 4 produced an inconclusive result and further testing is still required to determine Russell's cause of death.

Tributes flooded in after he was named by South Yorkshire Police on September 8.

Many had fond memories of growing up with Russell and knowing him in school, where he “looked out for everyone”.

“RIP Russ,” wrote Daniel Dowle.

“Always looked out for us younger lot when we were growing up.”

“Absolutely gutted to be hearing this news,” said, Cheri Wright.

“We were inseparable as teenagers. Loved him to bits. Would do owt for anyone! Wouldn’t hurt a fly!”

Many more referred to “good times as kids” and fond memories from school days, with Chris Kaylee Horbury naming him as a “lovely lad”.

Following his death, a 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and then bailed pending further work required following the post-mortem examination.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to either call 101 or report it through the South Yorkshire Police website.

Quote incident number 1,036 of September 3, 2026, when you get in touch.

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