McDonald's workers name 'lovely' man who died outside popular restaurant

30 October 2023 , 14:30

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Police were called to the McDonald's restaurant in Walton, Liverpool (Image: Liverpool Echo)

A man who died after he "set himself on fire" at McDonald's restaurant has been named by heartbroken staff as Dave.

It is believed that the 49-year-old man worked at the eaterie in Walton, Liverpool. A spokesperson for the fast food giant has not yet confirmed if he was an employee but said: "We are extremely sad to hear this news."

Merseyside Police and fire crews were called to McDonald's after reports for the concern for the safety of a man at around 5.50am on Thursday, October 26. At the scene they found a man, aged 49, needed urgent medical attention for serious burns.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died a day later on Friday, October 27. His death is not being treated as suspicious and next of kin have been informed. A file has been passed to the coroner, Liverpool Echo reports.

One tribute from a McDonald's worker on Facebook read: "Pleasure to work with and an all round boss guy. Rest in peace Dave, I hope you’re out of pain now. Please speak up about your feelings and remember there’s always someone there to listen and help you out, it will get better, don’t bottle it up."

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Another worker added: "Rest in peace Dave. The loveliest man ever and I had the pleasure of working with him, always putting a smile on everyone’s face bright and early in the morning. You will be missed dearly."

Another person added: "So so sad to hear, R.I.P. Thinking of all his family/friends and everyone who worked with him at McDonald’s" While a fourth commented: "He was a lovely man, it's so sad."

And a fifth person said: "Absolutely heart breaking. Thinking of his family friends and colleagues. Rest in peace xx." Another commented: "Deepest sympathy to his family and friends. God bless the courageous McDonald's staff that tried to help him ,I know how heart-breaking it is for them trying to deal with everything that happened."

A spokesperson for McDonald’s said: "We are extremely sad to hear this news. We are offering ongoing support to our restaurant team at this difficult time."

Ellen Kirwin