Darius Popan: Army pays tribute after death of 15-year-old Doncaster cadet

15-year-old Darius Popan was found on the Trans Pennine Trail near Sprotbrough on Saturday night and despite efforts of paramedics and police, died later in hospital.

Two 17-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl have been arrested on suspicion over drugs offences over his death and remain in custody, South Yorkshire Police have said.

Darius, who was also known as Dazza, served as an Army cadet and a spokesperson for Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force said: “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.”

Darius, who is of Romanian origin, has already become the subject of a fundraising campaign in his memory, with tributes also coming in from family and friends – and a huge balloon release planned in his memory.

One emotional tribute read: “Every tear that is shed, every sigh are signs of a love that will never fade.

"Darius will always be in my heart, living on through the precious memories and all that he meant to me.

“Although words cannot heal the wound, they can offer comfort and hope. I carry in my heart all the good moments, smiles and lessons we learned from each other. I let the memories be my lighthouse in the darkness of sadness.”

Another shared: “I lost a wonderful soul, a devoted friend and a precious family member. You will be greatly missed – we will always love you, rest in peace.”

Local store AN Highfields Premier Express and Post Office has already started a collection and a spokesperson said: “Taken far too soon at the young age of only 15 – such a polite happy young boy from the village.

“Every little helps at this sad time. I have his parents permission to do this. We are all thinking of each and everyone of his family friends an everyone that knew him.”

A balloon release in his memory has already been planned and is due to take place in Bentley Park from 5pm on August 4.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for information following the death of a teenager in Doncaster.

“On Saturday (27 July) at 7.47pm, a 15-year-old boy was found unwell on a section of the Trans Pennine Trail between Sprotbrough and Warmsworth.

“He was taken to hospital where in the early hours of Sunday morning he sadly died.

“Two 17-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl have been arrested following the incident and remain in custody.

“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.”

You can pass information to police via online live chat, the online portal or by calling 101. Quote incident number 1020 of 27 July 2024 when you get in touch.

You can access the portal here: https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/ro/report/

Alternatively contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.