Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Zoe Peck

Dad of three who 'doted' on his kids died suddenly

A doting dad-of-three died suddenly in an "absolute tragedy" that left his loved ones "completely heartbroken".

David Finnigan, known as Dava by many, died on July 12, prompting a flood of heartfelt tributes which praised him for his "massive heart".

The 35-year-old, from Wallasey, was a massive Liverpool FC fan and a music lover who enjoyed going to festivals.

READ MORE: Dad who heard sirens didn't know daughter was dying in the road

His fiancée Lauren Mcnabb previously told the ECHO he was a doting father who idolised his children, Jim, 14, stepdaughter Eva, nine, and Frankie, two.

An inquest into Mr Finnigan's death at Gerard Majella Courthouse today heard further tributes to the gas and heating engineer, who served the army in Afghanistan and helped run a grassroots football club.

The community hero was laid to rest on July 30, at Claremont Church, Sandy Way, Wallasey.

At today's inquest Mr Finnigan's mother said: "I'm very proud to have had him as my son and his sisters are very proud to have had him as a brother."

Ms Mcnabb previously said : "He just had a massive heart - he would give you his last penny if you needed it.

"He idolised his kids and his mum and dad and he was just there for everyone.

"He loved his brother John and his two sisters Julia and Jane, Dava was the baby and they all used to laugh he was 'the favourite'.

"He had so many friends, but they weren't just friends, they are all like family, he adored them and they adored him.

"Dava was just a great person, a lovely person - he had the biggest smile and heart, he was everyone's rock."

She added: "He was just so funny, he knew how to make me laugh when I was down.

"He loved his footy, he was a huge Liverpool fan and he loved going to festivals, really loved his music."

Local Hoylake band The Coral also paid tribute to Mr Finnigan, in a tweet they said: "Dava Finnegan, one of the original and very best. You will be very much missed. Rest in Peace. X"

After returning from tours of Afghanistan with the army, Mr Finnigan re-joined Greenleas Juniors Football Club as a member of the committee and a manager, after playing for the club when he was a junior himself.

In a post shared at the time of Mr Finnigan's death Vice chair of Greenleas JFC, Paul Miney said: "The club will be looking to support the family in whatever way we can to remember the positive impact Dava had on grassroots football and especially at Greenleas JFC."

Friends and family took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Finnigan following the news of his death.

Sean Talbot, who had known Dava since the age of 11, said: "Very few people in life make you smile and feel warm every time you see them.

"Love your family like it's their own, and whose family also treat you as one of their own. Since the age of 11 we have had this connection, I regret terribly, not seeing this coming, such a strong person, a soldier, a leader of men.

"I hope and pray that you knew how loved you were. I'm sorry we didn't do more to help, I'm sorry we didn't see the signs. When I sent you that date last week, that was to make sure you attended my wedding, as one of my best men.

"My heart is shattered and life will never be the same. I don't think I will ever understand this, I love you brother."

Olivia Mcnabb said: "I am in utter shock Dava. Thank you for making my sister so happy and being such an amazing dad."

Tara Carrington said: "A friend like no other. I cannot believe you are gone. My heart is broken.

"You lit up every room you entered. You were the super glue that held us all together. You were strong and helped me through some of my my darkest days.

"You were one of a kind, I feel so honoured to have been your friend.

"My thoughts are with all of your beautiful family, who I love dearly. I will always be around for them."

Senior coroner for Liverpool and Wirral Andre Rebello today confirmed Mr Finnigan's body was found by a member of the public on July 12 on Knaresborough Drive in Wallasey.

Passing a verdict of suicide, Mr Rebello said "there was no indication of a cause for concern" and that Mr Finnigan had recently booked a holiday.

Toxicology reports found a "small amount of cocaine" in Mr Finnigan's blood which the coroner added "may have affected his judgement" at the time of his death.

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.