Ian Reynolds, a paramedic from New Addington, has died from covid-19. He was 53.
Reynolds was a member of the Selhurst Park matchday medical crew and a devoted Eagles fan. He leaves a wife, Sian, and sons Jack and Ben.
Reynolds had worked for the London Ambulance Service for 32 years. He is the third member of ambulance staff in the capital to die from coronavirus.
A LAS spokesman described him as: “A wise, experienced and popular man, he had time for everybody and could relate to his colleagues, members and patients alike – regardless of their background or identity – with an ease that endeared him to everyone he came across.
“He will be deeply missed by his union comrades, his Croydon ambulance family, his boys Jack and Ben (of whom he was immeasurably proud) and his wife Sian, whom he loved with all his heart.
“Ian Reynolds had been working in a supporting role in recent weeks.
“Sadly this is the third member of staff we have lost in recent weeks. They were all making fantastic individual contributions to the huge life-saving effort the organisation is making at this time.
“We are all devastated to be losing people we have known and loved and worked with for many years.”
Reynolds was also active as a local Unison union rep.
At Selhurst Park, Reynolds spent matchdays as the co-ordinator of the pitch-side stretcher crew, more recently with one of his sons serving beside him. He also arranged medical cover for Academy games.
Dr Amir Pakravan, a colleague in Crystal Palace’s medical team, said, “He was the best friend you could wish for, always smiling, calm and easy-going, and an avid Palace fan. As a colleague, he was extremely professional, reliable, approachable, highly experienced and knowledgeable, and always ready to help. He was the complete package and an absolute joy to work with.
“Ian was 53 and is survived by his wife and two sons. One of whom, Jack, is also a member of our CPFC pitch-side stretcher crew. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues. Our pitch-side medical team will not be the same without Ian.”
- Read our first-hand account from another Croydon paramedic: Fighting for life on the frontline of London’s covid pandemic
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