Heartbroken family pay tribute to "life and soul of the party" Blades fan who died suddenly aged 33

The family of a lifelong Sheffield United and rave music fan have paid tribute to the ‘lovely, caring lad’ after he died suddenly aged just 33.
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Daniel Horton, known as Dan-Dan to many, passed away on Wednesday evening. His cause of death is uncertain, however his family believe it was due to an unknown underlying health condition.

A fundraiser has been launched to help pay for his funeral, and friends and family have paid touching tributes to a man described as the ‘life and soul of the party’ who wanted to ‘celebrate life’.

Daniel 'Dan-Dan' HortonDaniel 'Dan-Dan' Horton
Daniel 'Dan-Dan' Horton
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Dan-Dan’s mother Sherron Dykes, also speaking on behalf of dad Robert, said: “Daniel was a lovely, caring lad, loved by all his family and millions of friends.

“He had a love of music, especially bassline and uprising. He made friends everywhere he went and everyone loved him.

“He was a lovely, caring person, who would do anything to help anyone, even when he had little himself. He had turned himself around from being quite down during lockdown.

Dan-Dan with his sisters. Left to right: Kerrie, Gemma, Dan, Chantelle and Abbie.Dan-Dan with his sisters. Left to right: Kerrie, Gemma, Dan, Chantelle and Abbie.
Dan-Dan with his sisters. Left to right: Kerrie, Gemma, Dan, Chantelle and Abbie.

“He started a job he loved and was recently promoted. He was happy, he just wanted to work hard and celebrate life. All our hearts are missing.”

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Twin sister Gemma Horton added: “You are my twinny, my sidekick, my rock, my protector. You were full of life and the soul of the party.

“Twinny, I'm heartbroken. I know that you will look after us all up in heaven like you did when you were here. Brother you had a heart of gold, no one ever said a bad word about you.

Dan-Dan with his brother Benjamin.Dan-Dan with his brother Benjamin.
Dan-Dan with his brother Benjamin.

“You had an infectious laugh, everybody loved you bro and I know you loved us all very much. I'm going to miss you so very much.

“My life won't be the same without my twin. I hope you're partying up there and dancing away just like we used to. I love you always and forever twinny, sleep tight.”

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His close friend Stevie O’Keefe, who set up the fundraiser, said: “Dan-Dan was an amazing character, with a heart of gold and a smile permanently on his face. He'd go out of his way to help and support anyone, even when he had very little himself.“He was a massive personality on the rave scene and made everyone happy with his horn and catchphrase ‘Who me?’.

“I know we'd all like to throw a huge party for him but obviously we can't due to Covid-19. Hopefully next year.Dan leaves behind a family that loved him very much but, like a lot of us, are struggling this year and this heartbreak is too much.

Dan-Dan with family in SheffieldDan-Dan with family in Sheffield
Dan-Dan with family in Sheffield

“I'm asking if all the people that loved Dan, the people that he made smile, the people that borrowed his horn at a rave, could please donate a few quid to put towards his funeral. Please help this family out at this horrific time. This lad deserves a good send off, Covid or not.”

Daniel is survived by sisters Kerrie, Chantelle, Abbie and Gemma, brothers Robbie and Ben, mum Sherron, dad Robert, step-dad Gary and step-mum Andrea.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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