Family devastated by sudden death

Parents of a ‘fit and healthy’ 25-year-old have paid tribute to their son who was found dead after suffering heart failure. 

Dan Pollins, a projectionist at Woodbridge's Riverside Theatre, was found by his mother, Karen, at the family’s home at Cratfield, near Halesworth.  Relatives and friends have been rallying round to support the family since the tragedy occurred nine days ago. 

Dan, a film enthusiast, had been to the cinema with friends the previous night and had returned home late.  His parents and sister, Jessica, 22, left for work as usual the next morning.  Dan worked from about 2pm until 11pm at the Riverside Cinema and normally got up after the rest of the family left.

However, when Mrs Pollins returned home she heard an answer-phone message from the cinema asking where Dan was, as he was late for work.  When she went up to her son’s room, she found him lying dead in his bed. 

Dan’s father, Tony Pollins, said his son had appeared to be fit and healthy although he had experienced a couple of incidents during the previous 18 months involving heart palpitations. 

"He went to his GP but he was unable to find anything wrong with him," he said. 

Mr Pollins, 57, said his son had been very keen on the world of cinema and had made a series of short horror films, full of black humour, using his friends, nephews and nieces as actors.  Relatives and friends had provided ‘wonderful’ support to the family following the tragedy, Mr Pollins said. 

"A friend of ours who farms in Germany dropped everything when he heard the news and drove straight over here to be with us.  We have been inundated with help and support from local people and we have always had someone here for us," he said. 

James Snowling, 29, a friend of Dan’s who was at the family home yesterday, said: "He was a perfect friend, very intelligent and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.  He was passionate about films."

A former pupil of Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham, Dan completed a media studies course at Norwich City College and worked as a projectionist for a few months at Aldeburgh Cinema before obtaining a job at Woodbridge. 

Riverside Theatre manager Tom Offord said Dan had been an important member of staff and his death and been a ‘great shock.’ 

"His enthusiasm shone through," he said.  "He was totally dependable, always ready to help others and willing to work whatever hours were requested of him." 

The funeral is due to take place in Laxfield Church, on Monday.  Family flowers only are being requested but donations can be made to Cardiac Risk in the Young, care of Thirkettles Funeral Service, The Brambles, Laxfield, Woodbridge IP13 8DZ.