Friends pay tribute to Josh — ‘the best of what makes us human’

A YOUNG man found dead in a field after apparently taking his own life will be remembered for his loyalty, kindness and as “a lovely person through and through”.

Josh Adair (29) was found close to fields between Hooton Levitt and Carr Lane in Maltby.

Friends said he had written a “painful” suicide note.

Naomi Palmer-Haywood (25), and her husband Benjamin Palmer-Haywood (29) said they had devastated to lose their best friend, who was originally from Leicester, and wanted to help his family during a difficult time by starting a fundraiser to cover funeral costs.

“Josh was like a brother to us, he came up to Maltby in 2005, and he was one of the people who you might not see for a few months and it would feel like time had been bookmarked right where it had been left at,” said Naomi.

“With little family in his life after his grandmother died in 2019, we wanted to do something that will help them at such a difficult time.

“He was a lovely person through and through and was Ben’s best man at our wedding.

“His absence will truly be felt — there will be a silence that was not there before.

“Josh will be forever missed. His death to us took some of the light from our eyes and some of the fire from our hearts.

“Someone like him can never be replaced.”

Naomi, of Maltby, said the couple had not suspected Josh had struggled with mental health before his death on August 13 but that he may have been hit hard by his grandmother’s death.

“He may have struggled emotionally when he lost her,” she added.

“He lived with her and looked after her for a long time so it was a big change for him.

“They both loved each other — she looked after him when he was younger.

“Then, when she got older, he became her carer and looked after her for many years before she died.

“We think the loss combined with the responsibility and isolation really affected him, looking back on things.”

Naomi and Benjamin have raised over £4,500 to help contribute towards Josh’s funeral costs.

“We have been blown away by the support we have received so far,” said Naomi.

“All money raised is appreciated — the more raised the bigger a celebration we can have.

“The plan is to have Josh cremated.

“Some of these ashes could be interred with his nan and an inscription placed on her grave.

“This would give friends and family a place to visit to pay respects.”

Friends paid tribute to Josh as a “loyal, best friend”.

Peter Tomlinson (27) said: “Josh was loved by all his friends and family deeply and I’ll miss him every day.

“He was like the brother that I never had, a truly loyal, funny and great best friend that was always there for you and would give and help others at any opportunity, always picking up new interests and climbing almost anything when outside.”

Tom Bailey (29) said: “Josh was the best kind of friend, honest, kind, and loyal.

“He cared deeply for those around him, and was loved equally in return.

“He was kind of person who takes center stage in the happiest memories of me and many others.

“He was a brother to many people and a genuine inspiration.

“No amount of hardships ever changed his attitude towards life, a free spirit, no matter the weights he carried.

“He was simply the best of what makes us human, and he will be missed beyond words.”

Josh’s funeral will take place on September 16 at Rotherham Crematorium with all wishing to pay respects welcome to join at the Brooklands Club in Maltby from 4pm.

You can support the fundraiser here: https://tinyurl.com/Josh-Adair.