Family leave moving tribute to man who died in Hanley fire

We can confirm a man, whose body was recovered from a building on Brockley Square, Hanley, following a fire last week, was 40-year-old Jamie Parker, from Stoke-on-Trent.

A family liaison officer is supporting Jamie’s family and our thoughts are with them and his friends at this difficult time.

The results of a post mortem, held Wednesday 20 March, was that a cause of death was unascertained.

In a family tribute to Jamie, his sister Stephanie Parker, said: “I'd like to say a few words on behalf of my family about my big brother Jamie. Jamie is what you would have called a cheeky chappy. He was very comical with a great sense of humour. He was always cracking jokes and making you laugh. Jamie could light up the room. He'd always been a handsome lad and the girls loved him, especially my friends.

“Jamie loved his family deeply and he absolutely adored our mum. I was his baby sister and to this day he still called me ‘Fatts’ – that’s the nickname he gave me when I was a chunky baby. Like anyone else he had likes and dislikes, he loved films, music and singing. Jamie was a very much-loved brother, son, uncle and cousin. This is how we want to remember him. He got dealt some bad cards in life, made some wrong decisions and went down a dark path, but this wasn't our Jamie, not the real Jamie.

“We hope there will be more support for people suffering with mental health, homelessness and drugs. This is a heart-breaking tragedy which should never have happened. We will always love and remember Jamie for who he was. He had a name, he had a family and his life meant just as much as yours and mine. Sweet dreams my big brother, I love you.”

We’ve created an online portal where people can leave information and any CCTV or dashcam footage that they may have. You can access the Major Incident Public Portal here:
https://mipp.police.uk/operation/STAFFS24L07-PO1

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.