A St Helens rugby club has paid tribute to a former player who died after a house fire which also claimed the life of his fiancee.
Kieran Naylor, 33, died on Monday, December 26, nearly two weeks after his fiancée Rebecca Foster, 32, died on December 14.
The couple suffered serious injuries during a blaze at their home on Delph Lane, Daresbury, in the early hours of Monday, December 12, and were taken to Whiston and Warrington hospitals in a critical condition.
READ MORE: Man dies after house fire that killed his fiancee
Kieran, who was described by his family as "the best son, brother and uncle that anyone could have wished for", was a former member of Blackbrook Amateur Rugby League Club, based in St Helens.
A Blackpool ARLC spokesman said: "Blackbrook are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former player Kie Naylor at only 33. Kie was tragically involved in a house fire which also claimed the life of his partner Rebecca.
"Kie played a number of games for the Club in 2016 and although he didn't play for too long he made a lasting impression on his team mates and staff at the Club. He was truly one of life's nice guys and will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Kie once a Brooker always a Brooker."
Further tributes were paid to the couple on the Liverpool ECHO Facebook page. Carol Troath-Gibbons said: "So very sad, the only consolation is they are together again. Sympathy to their families".
Alison L Doughty said: "My thoughts and prayers are with both families. May they Rest in Peace together forever. Such a heartbreaking story."
A Cheshire Police spokesman said investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing, but it is not believed to be suspicious.
Kieran's heartbroken family said in a statement: “Words cannot express how completely heartbroken and devastated we are to have lost Kieran.
"Our lives will never be the same. Kieran really was the best son, brother and uncle that anyone could have wished for and he will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure to have known him.
“Kieran and Rebecca are now reunited forever and they will always be in our hearts."
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