A murder investigation has been launched into his death
Tyler Fairman, 26, died days after being injured in the early hours of Saturday, May 9(Image: Nottinghamshire Police)
The family of a much-loved young dad and footballer who was fatally struck by a car during an alleged hit-and-run say their hearts have been shattered by his death.
Tyler Fairman, who was one of multiple pedestrians hit by a car on Market Place, Arnold, in the early hours of Saturday, May 9, died on Tuesday, May 12.
Police subsequently launched a murder investigation into the death of the 26-year-old, who had been struck by a red Vauxhall Astra that mounted a kerb and injured him at 1.12am on the Saturday.
Tyler’s family have now released a tribute to the young dad, who had a two-year-old son and was expecting a baby girl with his partner, explaining that he was “loved by everyone around him”.
“There are no words now, nor will there ever be, to truly describe how broken this has left us all. Our hearts are shattered, and the world has become a much darker place without him in it,” the family members said in a statement.
“Anyone who knew Tyler knew there was never a bad word to say about him. He was the kind of person who would do anything for anybody.
“He was always there for everyone and was a devoted partner, a loyal friend, a loving son and a father figure to so many people around him. If somebody needed support, Tyler would be there in a heartbeat.
“From being a little boy, Tyler had the most infectious smile and laugh. He could light up any room he walked into, whether it was through his silly jokes, his kindness, or simply the way he made people feel safe and loved. He always knew how to make people feel better when they were down.
“Nothing will ever feel the same again.”
His relatives described him as an “incredibly proud family man” who worked hard to provide for his loved ones.
They added Tyler, who had played for Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC in the Nottinghamshire Senior League, also loved football and had hoped to share this passion with his son when he grew up.
“He loved football, and one of his biggest dreams was to one day take his little boy to football and stand watching him from the sidelines, just as we proudly did for Tyler when he was young,” the family statement added.
“The pain we are feeling because of Tyler’s senseless death is unimaginable — a pain no family should ever have to endure, and something we still cannot fully comprehend. But through all this heartbreak, we remain so unbelievably proud of the young man he was and everything he achieved in his life.”
Duane Anthony was arrested after the incident on Saturday and charged with five counts of attempted murder on the morning of Monday, May 11.
The 40-year-old was additionally charged with aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and driving without valid insurance.
Anthony, of Marton Road, Bulwell, was remanded into custody on Monday, May 11.
Dressed in a yellow and green quartered shirt, Anthony was not asked to enter any pleas when he appeared over a video link from HMP Lincoln at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, May 14.
He is currently due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on June 8, while a trial date at the same court has been set for October 7.
Detective Inspector Clare Gibson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “While once again expressing our deepest condolences for their loss, I’d also like to reiterate the family’s previous plea to give them privacy and allow them to grieve in peace.
“A murder investigation is now under way following Tyler’s death, so anything relating to this incident should be shared with the police, not online, as doing so could potentially impede the pursuit of justice.
“That includes any videos relating to the incident, which should be shared with the police and taken off social media immediately.”
Police have asked anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information relating to the incident to call 101, quoting incident 46 of May 9, use the force’s major incident portal, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
