THE heartbroken teenage son of a man who was found dead in a car in an ‘unexplained’ incident near a garden centre last weekend has paid tribute to his ‘loving’ dad.
Shane Bladen, 44, was found dead inside a vehicle on Knowle Road in Worsbrough on Saturday, and a heavy police presence blocked the entrance to the garden centre.
His death is being treated as ‘unexplained’.
Formal identification took place earlier this week - and his 16-year-old son Jordan Exley told the Chronicle the news is ‘devastating’.
“My heart sank when the phone call came through about the passing of my dad,” he said.
“I can’t imagine how much pain or worry he had going on his mind at the time before his death.
“It hurt knowing I couldn’t help one last time.
“Everyone is devastated with the news - his friends, family and everybody that knew him.
“He was such a well-known man.”
Jordan said his dad always had a ‘cheeky smile’ and was always up for a laugh - something he’s going to miss dearly following his death.
“He always used to enjoy himself in his younger years, partying hard which was the thing that he absolutely loved,” he added.
“He always had that bright side with his big, cheeky smile which will never be forgotten.
“I will always remember him for how he cared for the people around him - no matter if he was struggling within himself or if he had his own issues.
“Everyone around him could have a laugh and just enjoy his company.
“He never failed to have his crazy side too - he was one of a kind.
“His smile is the main thing that he’ll be remembered for.”
A fundraiser has been set up to help towards Shane’s funeral costs, with hopes of a £4,000 target being reached.
It states: “Shane as the person he truly was, was a loving father, son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend who touched the lives of those around him with his infectious energy and smile.
“Unfortunately Shane’s path turned dark and he spent many years of his adult life fighting demons which came to rob him of everything he owned and loved and eventually his life.”
Jordan said he appreciates the support he’s being given by those closest to him.
“The aim of the fundraiser is to get as many people to help us in any way they can,” he added.
“It will help with the cost of the funeral and any further costs of any special occasions or anything else further planned.
“It will all will be appreciated if people will be willing to help our family.
“He was a good brother, uncle, cousin, dad and generally a great man to all around him.”
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said enquiries are ongoing.
“At around 10.20am on October 28, emergency services were called to Knowle Road in Worsbrough following reports that the body of a man had been found inside a car.
“Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, and the death is currently being treated as unexplained.”
A link to the fundraiser can be found on the Barnsley Chronicle website.
