The 26-year-old, from Abbots Langley, was taking part in his first full-contact fight at Ignite night club in Hemel Hempstead on Sunday evening when he was hit in the head by an opponent.

He died on Tuesday afternoon at the National Neurological and Neurosurgical Hospital in London.

Roy Wilsher, chief fire officer at Watford Fire Station where he worked, said: "The Fire Service is like an extended family and we have all lost a member of that family. For all of us the loss is huge and we are all grieving.

"Daniel was relatively new to the fire service and had a promising career ahead of him. He was well liked by everyone who knew him and it is so tragic that his life has been cut short in this way."

Friend and trainer Dave Scarborough said: "I have been in the corner hundreds of times, there was nothing to suggest anything could have gone wrong.

"If we didn't think he was ready we wouldn't have put him out there and been in his corner.

"Our number one priority is to make sure the fighters are safe."

See this week's Gazette for more details, including an interview with his trainer and tributes from friends.

Send your tributes to us here.



'We cant believe it nor get our heads around it that your no longer hear, Such a huge shock and so so sad. RIP DAN you wont be forgotten.' From Kim Devan and Sarah Grange

'Danny, I was at the event. r.i.p. You have gone to soon my friend. My thoughts are with the family. Im so sorry for your loss. Stay strong!!' from Paul Saunders

'RIP Dan....U'll be greatly missed....My thoughts now go out to ur family and girlfriend who are gonna be lost without u as are we all....Sleep Well and Stay Strong Dan....From RoB and Family in Gt Yar x'

'Still shocked by ur passing u were a top bloke and will be missed by many. Like claire said u are a true hero in life and in death. RIP Dan xx' - Toyah and Mac