Wigan Athletic fans pay tribute to one of their own at the ground where he was loved
Fans of Wigan Athletic have left emotional tributes to one of their own. Bouquets and messages have been left around the Dave Whelan statue outside the club's ground to Darren Orme.
Darren's body was tragically found 19 days after he went missing. A shirt embossed with the number 54, his age, was draped on the plynth of the statue.
One message referring to Darren's allegiance to the town's football team and rugby league side, Wigan Warriors, said: "Red or Blue. A Wiganer through and through. God bless Darren."
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Tributes have poured in for a much-loved Wigan Athletic fan, Darren, who was a hugely popular figure among Latics supporters who had known the devoted fan for decades. Blue balloons, scarves, shirts, and spring flowers were left for him today. Dozens of Wiganers pulled together in community search efforts in the days following his disappearance on March 5.
Police announced on Monday afternoon (March 24) that a body had been pulled from the River Douglas near to Stadium Way, in the shadow of Darren's beloved Latics' ground, The Brick Community Stadium.
In a statement issued on Monday, a Wigan Athletic club spokesperson said: "We are devastated to learn that a body has been found in the search for Darren Orme.
"Darren is a much-loved member of the Wigan Athletic family, and our thoughts go out to Darren's family and friends at this extremely difficult time."
Posting on X, the club's managing director Sarah Guilfoyle added: "Rest assured, we're working with supporter groups and Darren's family to ensure we arrange a proper and fitting tribute.
"We'll communicate this in due course. Darren will be fondly remembered by everyone associated with the club, we're devastated."
Members of Wigan Athletic fan clubs were among those who had taken part in the search for Darren earlier this month, and many hold fond memories of him.
The Official Wigan Athletic Supporters Club posted on X: "Absolutely devastating news this afternoon (Monday). All our thoughts and those of the whole #wafc community are with Darren's family at this time."
Wigan Warriors, Rugby League Team posted yesterday: "Darren was known to thousands of supporters for his tireless efforts following Latics, with his passion and devotion always shining through. A recognisable face at both Springfield Park and The Brick Community Stadium, Darren was a much-loved member of the Wigan Athletic family and will be greatly missed by everyone connected to the Football Club.
"We join in sending our sincerest condolences to Darren's friends and family, and we ask supporters to respect their privacy during this extremely difficult time. As a Football Club, Wigan Athletic will pay tribute to Darren with a minute's applause at the home fixture against Barnsley on Saturday 29 March (3pm kick-off) whilst a minute's applause will be held at Wigan Warriors' game against Salford on Sunday.
"We would like to thank the Wigan community, including supporters of both clubs, for coming together over the last few weeks in search of Darren. We encourage supporters to pay their respects and share their memories of Darren. Flowers, shirts, and scarfs can be laid at The Brick Community Stadium alongside Dave Whelan's statue, while a Book of Condolences will be located in the Stadium Reception for fans to sign.
"Supporters can sign the Book of Condolence during opening hours at The Brick Community Stadium reception."
Wigan Athletic posted: "We would like to thank all supporters - and the wider Wigan community - for coming together over the last few weeks in search of Darren. We encourage supporters to pay their respects and share their memories of Darren - flowers, shirts, and scarfs can be laid at the Brick Community Stadium outside of Dave Whelan's statue."
Supporters can sign the Book of Condolences from 9am on Wednesday 26 March during the Brick Community Stadium reception's opening hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm), in addition to in the South Stand Supporters Bar on matchday.
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