Jason Laws, 34, confirmed as second victim of tragic Benwell home explosion
by Sophie Doughty · ChronicleLiveThe second victim of the devastating Benwell explosion has now been formally identified as Jason Laws.
The 34-year-old's body was found in the debris after a huge blast destroyed flats on Violet Close, early last Wednesday morning. Seven-year-old Archie York was also killed in the explosion.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "A man who died following a tragic explosion in Newcastle can now been identified. Jason Laws, 34, died at the scene as a result of the incident in Violet Close in the early hours last Wednesday.
"Jason’s next of kin are being assisted by specially-trained officers."
In the hours after Jay's body was found, Jay’s brother Joseph Laws paid tribute to him on Facebook.
He wrote: “One thing I can say, you have been the best big brother I could ask for. You would be willing to die for me and protected me the past 30 years even when I didn’t need [to be] protected anymore.”
Jay was described by his brother as the “best dad in the world” as he said he would remind his brother’s kids “as they get older” and promised “they will grow up to be respectful proper adults and not miss out on anything”. He concluded his heartbreaking tribute by saying “you live on”, and: “When [I] say a thousand memories [I] mean a thousand and I love you till I see you again my brosky."
On Tuesday, forensic officers in white overalls can be seen working at the site, as investigations to establish what caused the explosion continue. Northumbria Police said it was working alongside other agencies.
Six people were taken to hospital following the incident, with five being discharged soon afterwards. But one man, who is in his 30s, remains in hospital. His condition has been described as "critical but stable".
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