'Mr Wigan Athletic' Darren Orme makes emotional 'final journey' to stadium as hundreds turn out

'He will always be remembered by everyone in our town'

There were moving scenes as Wigan Athletic superfan Darren Orme made a final trip to the club's stadium ahead of his funeral today. A well-publicised search operation was launched after Darren, 54, went missing, last being seen on March 5.

Tragically, his body was recovered from a stretch of the River Douglas near Stadium Way in Wigan 19 days later on March 24.

An inquest into his death is to be held, but police have said there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances.

Darren was a hugely popular figure among Latics supporters and was dubbed 'Mr Wigan Athletic.'

His family had invited people to join them as he made a 'final journey' to the Brick Community Stadium.

And hundreds turned out to pay their respects and say their final goodbye to him today (Thursday, April 24).

Players and staff formed a guard of honour and there was applause and a rendition 'You are My Sunshine' as the hearse carrying his coffin, which was draped in a Wigan Atheltic flag, arrived at the ground.

His family's stopped the procession to thank those who had turned out and were embraced by the club's manager, Ryan Lowe.

The cortège then made its way to Wigan Parish Church where the funeral was held.

A celebration of his life is taking place at the stadium this afternoon.

The club said: "The Wigan community came together this afternoon to say goodbye to one of our own. R.I.P Darren - a true Tics mon who will always be remembered by everyone in our town."

Following his death, his family said: "Darren was a loving brother with a beautiful and infectious smile, he was truly the glue that held our family together.

“He had a heart of gold and a beautiful soul, he always saw the good in everyone.

He was confident yet quirky but also vulnerable in his own way. He possessed a playful and mischievous character.

“Darren loved his football, and he was a passionate Wigan Athletic fan.

"We've always described Darren as Latics royalty, and these past few weeks have really shown our family just how much he means to our community.

“The messages of support and efforts to search for him have been truly amazing.

“Darren meant the absolute world to us, he will be greatly missed by his family and all of us that knew and loved him.”