The family of a well-loved leisure centre worker from Pembroke Dock have paid tributes after his sudden death.

David Dutton was found at his Tremeyrick Street home on the morning of Friday, January 5. 

His family, at nearby Gwyther Street, have been shocked by just how well-loved David was, with so many flowers and messages of condolence received.

Western Telegraph: David Dutton taking part in the Weymouth half marathonDavid Dutton taking part in the Weymouth half marathon

David Dutton taking part in the Weymouth half marathon.

Mum and dad Colin and Zillah Dutton stated: “It is with great sadness we have to notify all people who knew him of the sudden death of our beloved son David, at the age of 26, at home on Friday, January 5.”

The family have been astounded by the support and messages from well-wishers and promise to respond to everyone over time.

Colin said: “We were gob-smacked when we saw all the stuff on Facebook and saw the flowers, we were totally taken aback that this was needed or wanted, we just didn’t expect it.

“It just shows how he was loved.

“Nobody had a bad word about him, we never expected this in a million years, it doesn’t happen to your son, who’s only doing an ordinary job.

“Thank everybody for their kind wishes, it just proves he was so loved, a fit 26-year-old shouldn’t pass away.”

Colin described David, a keen half-Ironman triathlete and football supporter of his beloved Swansea: “He was great really, he was a normal 26-year-old; we never had any problems with him."

Zillah said: “We just can’t bring ourselves to read them all, we want to but we just get so far and we can’t do any more.”

The family is considering fundraising in David’s memory, which may see sports equipment donated to the leisure centre in memory of him.

Colin said: “He wouldn’t have wanted a plaque or a tree, it would be something for the kids to help them out.”

Brother Shaun Taylor and sister-in-law Amy gave an example of just how giving David was, describing how, when taking part in the Mumbles half-triathlon during his only day off for the week, he had worked to help at a little boy’s birthday, a little boy who Amy said “absolutely doted on him”.

Richard Pratt, father of David’s best friend Gary, said: “I used to go to the football with him at the Liberty Stadium, I used to try and wind him up but you could never get him to bite.

"We went up on Boxing Day, where we park the car there’s a burger van, he has this bloody great burger, and by the time we get in to the Liberty he’s having this pie and chips.”

Western Telegraph:

Poignant floral tributes were left at Pembroke Leisure centre to David, a former Pembroke School pupil, described in one message as “a true gent,” and in another he was thanked for his “patience and passion”.

Among the flowers left were playing cards, reflecting David’s love of poker.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Dutton, one of four brothers are not yet known, with a post-mortem report expected later in the week.

Western Telegraph:

One of the floral tributes left to David Dutton outside Pembroke leisure centre.

Pembroke Leisure Centre Manager Darren Bowen, paid this tribute to David: “It was with great sadness that we learnt the news of David Dutton’s passing. 

“He was an integral part of the team at Pembroke and will be fondly remembered by colleagues and customers alike. 

“We are overwhelmed by the kind messages received and this is helping us get through this particular difficult period. 

“Our thoughts are with his family.”