TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Barrow musician who died at the weekend after falling from a balcony.


Barrow band Sancho (L-R) Matty Smith, Dean Zaccarini (front), and Chris Newsham. Dean Zaccarini, 29, died on Saturday after falling from a balcony in Dantzic Street in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been passed to the coroner.

Tributes to Mr Zaccarini, who was frontman and guitarist with Barrow-based band Sancho, have been paid on social media.

In a post which has been shared by friends, Mr Zaccarini's father, Paul wrote: "Thank you so much for all your kind words for our amazing son and brother, nephew and cousin, the legend that is Dean Zaccarini who was and will remain so beautiful, talented, kind and loving to everyone who knew him. Our family has had 29 (nearly 30 years of sheer pleasure and it has been a great honour to be his parents. We love and miss him so much and want him to be remembered for all the good times and pleasure he gave to us and all who knew him, We love you forever Dean Rest in peace our amazing son."

Pete Downing and Malcolm Hartley of Furness Association of Musicians posted on FMA Facebook page: "It is with great shock and sadness that we pay tribute here to talented, young local musician, DEAN (ZACCA) ZACCARINI (age 30), as we learn of his passing following an unfortunate accident on Saturday night. Best known more recently as frontman, singer/guitarist with SANCHO, he was one of Barrow's most well loved and respected musicians. With such an effervescent, bubbly personality, Dean was just a joy to be around and he will leave a permanent 'feel-good' memory on the many who were lucky enough to have known him or worked with him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all his family in their time of sorrow..... RIP 'Dude' (his favourite name for everyone)."

The MoonCats posted on their Facebook page: "Absolutely heartbreaking news about one of Barrow's finest! The local scene will never be the same again, a real character taken far too soon. The nicest, kindest, most approachable lad, who always had a moment for everyone. Our thoughts are with the Zaccarini family at this difficult time. It was an honour and a privilege to share so many gigs with you Zacca, Rest in peace! x"

The Dales Facebook page said: "We are, along with everyone that knew him, devastated to hear of the passing of one of the founder Dales members, Zacca, earlier today. He was a true gentleman, that was always a pleasure to play alongside whilst in The Dales, as well as when we played gigs with Sancho. The local music scene has lost one of its finest, and he will be sadly missed by all. Sleep well, brother x"