‘We are all united in mourning’ - family pay tribute to a dad-of-two who was killed outside a Cramlington pub

Sheldon Flanighan, alongside another man, was struck by a van outside the Bay Horse pub, on Sanderson Terrace, at around 10pm on Saturday, April 1.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), the 55-year-old from Northumberland tragically died at the scene.

Northumbria Police subsequently launched a murder investigation, with three people arrested and charged in the hours that followed the incident.

On Friday, April 7, Sheldon’s family have paid tribute to him, praising the “dedicated father and whole-hearted community man”.

The tribute said: “A dearly loved father to Calvin and Joe, a beloved son to Eleanor and Brian, and an adored brother to Julia and Sharon.

“Sheldon came with a character larger than life, a smile and laughter that lit up the room, and a heart that saw the good in everyone.

“This personality endeared Sheldon to our family, his ambulance service colleagues, the golfing community, and his life-long friends from Northumberland and the wider North East.

“His devotion to his sons, his close family and life-long friends, together with his total commitment and duty to the North East Ambulance service, strongly reflects the dedicated father and whole-hearted community man that Sheldon was.

“For those who knew Sheldon, it feels impossible to imagine life without him. We are all united in mourning.

“Sheldon touched the lives of many, once met, never forgotten and we are richer for knowing him. His legacy will live on through us all.”

Northumbria Police has confirmed that Sheldon’s family are continuing to be supported by specialist officers following his death.

On Wednesday, April 5, Toby Kelly, 37, of Wansbeck Avenue in Blyth, David Fairclough, 32, of Emerson Road in Newbiggin-by-the-sea, and Shannon Wooden, 27, of Blyth, all appeared at Newcastle Crown Court charged with murder and attempted murder.

Kelly has also been charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Despite the charges, inquiries into Sheldon’s death remain ongoing and anyone with information should contact police by calling 101 or using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website, quoting log NP-20230401-1194.

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