TRIBUTES have been paid to a runner whose body was found in woodland in Silkstone Common sparking a murder investigation.
Gary Dean, 48, from Silkstone Common, was found at 5.40pm last Thursday with significant injuries in a wooded area behind Moorend Lane, close to the Trans Pennine Trail.
A forensic post mortem concluded the cause of death was injuries resulting from a significant assault.
A 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and a 76-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail as enquiries continue.
A keen runner and train enthisiast, Mr Dean competed for Penistone Footpath Runners and had taken part in the Spencers Dash race the night before he died.
A club representative said: “He was a very good friend, and was a kind and gentle man in every way.
“He was well loved within his train enthusiast group and knew so many people around the country because of that.
“We had a minute’s silence on Tuesday and did Gary’s mile reps in respect of him.
“I understand some other local running clubs are going to do their own tribute to show their respect.”
The representative, who did not want to be named, said tributes had been left on the running group’s Facebook page, with other local running clubs offering support.
“People are so shocked because everyone who knows him knows that he was such a nice, kind man.
The representative said Mr Dean was originally from the Chester area but moved to Penistone with his wife 16 years ago and a few years later moved to Silkstone Common.
He had a love of class 37 diesel engines, travelling the country with fellow train enthusiasts to ride a few miles on each one.
He was a connoisseur of real ales and loved meeting friends and family for food and drink.
He had a special love for dogs and although he did not have his own, he looked after many for other people.
Mr Dean completed 21 consecutive London Marathons and represented Cumbria at cross country running.
He also completed every ‘Silkstone Shuffle’ which has been run four times a year for several years.
Mr Dean leaves a wife and parents.
Det Chf Insp Steve Whittaker said: “Yesterday marked one week since Mr Dean was killed and our enquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death continue.
“So far, we have spoken to numerous residents in the area and carried out a thorough search of the land where his body was found.
“Detailed forensic work is also ongoing as we continue to gather evidence.
“We know that Gary left his home address on Moorend Lane on Thursday morning at around 7am, but sadly, he didn’t return home.
“While Gary was a keen runner and cyclist, and often cycled and ran around Silkstone Common and along the Trans Pennine Trail, on the day of his death we don’t believe he was out for a run, or out on his bike, due to the clothing he was wearing.
“He is described as wearing trainers, beige coloured cargo shorts with large pockets on the side and a bright red running top, that had a top half of red and a bottom half of black.
“The Trans Pennine Trail is regularly used by walkers, runners, cyclists, people walking their dog, or by those heading to school or work.
“Did you see Gary that Thursday morning?
“It’s vital that we speak to anyone who was in the area so we can piece together Gary’s movements between just before 7am last Thursday morning and 5.40pm when he was found in the woods, next to the small tunnel under the Trans Pennine Trail.”
