The family of a much-loved Wigan Athletic fan described as “Lactics royalty” have said he was “truly the glue that held us together”.
Darren Orme’s body was found on 24 March by Greater Manchester Police following a major search after he went missing for several weeks.
The 54-year-old was found on Stadium Way, close to the club’s Brick Community Stadium, where fans clapped in his memory on Saturday during Wigan’s match against Barnsley.
Paying tribute, he relatives said he was a “beautiful soul, who always saw the good in everyone”.
Officers do not believe there was anything suspicious about Mr Orme’s death, a force spokesman said.
His body was found after a large search effort, that saw local supporters groups and sports teams rally to help find him.
Mr Orme’s family said he was a “loving brother with a beautiful and infectious smile”.
They continued: “He was confident yet quirky but also vulnerable in his own way.
“He possessed a playful and mischievous character.”
A minute’s applause rang out in his memory before Wigan’s 1-1 draw on Saturday, where matchday tributes were laid around the ground and fans were invited to write in a book of condolence.
Mr Orme’s family said: “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.”
