The heartbroken fiancée of a football scout who died during a climb in the Lake District has described him as being "the best person in the whole world".
Karl Newton had just began his dream job as a technical recruitment analyst at Blackburn Rovers. The 37-year-old had previously worked for Stockport County, Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough, Leyton Orient and AFC Fylde.
Karl, who had also spent time at South Shields FC and Newcastle City Juniors FC, was climbing Pavey Ark in the Lake District with friends on Friday. While he was near the summit, he lost his footing and fell.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service and two mountain rescue teams rushed to the area to treat him. Sadly they were unable to save his life and he passed away at the scene.
Karl lived in South Shields, South Tyneside, with his fiancée Louise Defty, 40, Louise's daughter Sophie, 11, and their six-year-old Shih Tzu Jack Russell cross Leah. The couple had been in a relationship for around six years and they planned to get married in April next year.
Louise told Chronicle Live: "He was an amazing person, the best person in the whole world. He was funny, caring, loving and he would do anything for anyone. If anyone wanted him to do anything he would do it, he would never say no to anyone.
"He was very well-known and he was very popular, it's crazy how many friends he had. He was always the joker and he was always happy. He was the most loving fiancé in the world. I couldn't have wished for anyone better."
Karl, who was originally from Jarrow, was a highly-regarded scout and a well-known amongst the footballing community. Louise said he voluntarily coached youngsters at Newcastle City Juniors FC while also working for Stockport FC and South Shields FC.
She said: "He absolutely loved football, it was the love of his life - apart from me. He was in his dream career, he had just got his job at Blackburn. He found out just a couple of weeks ago it was full-time. I was very proud."
Louise said that Karl had gone away for the weekend with friends and that two female police officers visited her home to tell her the devastating news. She said: "It's not something I expected to happen."
Louise said she has been inundated with messages of support from people who knew Karl. She said: "There's an amazing amount of messages from all of the different clubs, they have all been supportive. He's going to be truly missed."
Hundreds of people have paid tribute to Karl following his death last week. A number of the football clubs where he worked have released emotional tributes to him. Below are a selection of the tributes to Karl:
- Blackburn Rovers said: "We are devastated to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of Karl Newton, who recently joined the club as our new technical recruitment analyst. An experienced and highly-regarded football scout, who had also worked for Stockport County, AFC Fylde, Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Leyton Orient, Karl sadly passed away last week whilst walking in the Lake District with friends. The thoughts of everyone at Blackburn Rovers are with Karl’s partner, Louise, and his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
- Stockport County Football Club said: "It is with extreme sadness that the Club can report the tragic recent passing of Karl Newton, a loved colleague who until his move to Blackburn Rovers last week, was part of our Scouting team. Our thoughts go to Karl’s family and partner Louise in this difficult time. Rest In Peace, Karl".
- South Shields FC said: "It is with indescribable sadness that we have learned of the passing of Karl Newton. Karl was a key part of our recruitment team at SSFC and a simply incredible person who was a joy to be around. It would be impossible to meet anyone with a negative word to say about him. Many supporters will have seen Karl at our games on a regular basis over recent years as one of the most highly thought of scouts in the North East. Last season saw him play a vital role behind the scenes at the club before he earned a dream job at Blackburn Rovers. For Karl to be taken from this world so young is a tragedy and he will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to spend time with him. All our love and thoughts are with his family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. Rest in peace, Karl. You were an absolute diamond."
- Newcastle City Juniors FC said: "We are so incredibly sorry to share with you all the news that one of our coaches, Karl Newton, on the 1st of July 2022, was sadly taken away from us all in a tragic accident. Karl was an incredible man who would brighten up any room, he always shared his smile, happiness and was the kindest of them all. He was a true gentleman and a key member of not just this football club but the footballing community as a whole. Not only was Karl a volunteer grassroots coach, he worked in the professional game as he was a football scout for Stockport County and had just accepted a new role at Blackburn Rovers. We would kindly ask you all to respect Karl’s friends and family at this very difficult time following the tragic news but please leave messages below and we will share with Karl’s family and friends RIP Karl, you will never be forgotten."
- Hebburn Town FC said: "It’s with great sadness that we share a member of our football family, Karl Newton, sadly passed away on July 1 after being involved in a tragic accident. Karl followed Hebburn Town from a young age helping his dad Stephen as a committee member - as a ball boy, kitman, programme seller, and most recently scouting and coaching in various roles. Karl was a fantastic person, who loved his football and touched so many across the professional and non-league scene. The football club send our deepest condolences to all of Karl’s family at this difficult time."
- AFC Fylde said: "All at AFC Fylde are deeply saddened to learn about the sudden and tragic passing of former Head of Player Recruitment Karl Newton . Karl was a key figure at the Club who helped recruit several first-team players and someone who has worked at Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Leyton Orient, Stockport County and most recently, Blackburn Rovers. The thoughts of everyone at AFC Fylde are with Karl’s partner Louise and his family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time."
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