Doncaster has been left heartbroken after the tragic death of 15-year-old Darius Popan, who was found unwell on Saturday evening.
Darius was discovered on a section of the Trans Pennine Trail between Sprotbrough and Warmsworth at 7:47 pm on July 27. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Arrests Made in Connection with Incident
Following the incident, three teenagers – two 17-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl – have been arrested and remain in custody. The cause of Darius’s death has yet to be confirmed, and police are continuing their investigation.
Community in Mourning
Darius, a member of the Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadets, was remembered fondly by his community. In a heartfelt post on Facebook, a spokesperson for the Army Cadets expressed their condolences, stating: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cadet Darius Popan over the weekend. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy as they grieve this profound loss. Rest in peace, Darius.”
An Outpouring of Tributes
Tributes for Darius have flooded social media, with many describing him as a “polite, kind, and thoughtful” young man who was “always smiling” and will be “missed by so many.”
Rachael Lewis commented: “Such a wonderful young man, so polite, kind, and thoughtful. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace, Darius.”
Magz Barnett said: “RIP Darius, you were such a lovely young man with everything to look forward to, always smiling and very polite. I will be forever grateful for you helping my son when he was being bullied. Sleep tight, taken far too soon. My thoughts and condolences go out to all your family and friends.
Debbie Hutchinson wrote: “R.I.P. Darius. Taken away from us way too young. Thinking of all Darius’s family, friends and our community at this sad time.”
Aleksandra Hoyles added: “RIP Darius. He was my son’s cadet friend. It will be very quiet without him. Sending love to his parents and family,” while Rich Hard expressed: “Absolutely devastated. RIP Darius.”
Emily Allen shared: “Rest in peace angel, always the brightest in the room,” and Samantha Lesley Smallwood said: “Sleep tight Popan, you will be missed by so many.”
Community Support
The A&N Highfields Premier Express shop on Market Street in Doncaster has set up a collection tub to raise money for Darius’s family. A representative from the shop said on Facebook: “We have a collection tub in the shop to try and support Darius Popan’s family at this sad time. Taken far too soon at the young age of only 15 such a polite happy young boy from the village… I have his parents’ permission to do this. We are all thinking of each and every one of his family friends and everyone that knew him.”
Police Appeal for Information
South Yorkshire Police continue to appeal for information about the circumstances surrounding Darius’s death. A spokesperson said: “We are aware there has been speculation on social media about the circumstances surrounding this incident and we would urge people to be mindful of our investigation and not to speculate on details of this incident.
If you can help, you can pass information to police via our online live chat, our online portal, or by calling 101. Please quote incident number 1020 of 27 July 2024 when you get in touch. You can access our online portal [here].”
Alternatively, if you prefer not to give your personal details, you can stay anonymous and pass on what you know by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers. Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
