April Jones: Tributes paid to murdered schoolgirl's father after 'unexpected' death
The five-year-old was murdered by paedophile Mark Bridger after she was taken from outside her home in mid Wales in October 2012.
Wednesday 14 May 2025 14:18, UK
Tributes have been paid to the father of murdered schoolgirl April Jones who has died suddenly aged 55.
April, who was five years old at the time of her death, was taken from outside her home in Machynlleth, mid Wales, in October 2012.
She was murdered by paedophile Mark Bridger, who was sentenced to a whole life tariff.
April's father Paul Jones contracted a brain disease in 2018, six years after the death of his daughter.
Announcing his death on Tuesday, Mr Jones's stepdaughter Jazz Jones said: "It is with broken hearts that my brother and I wish to let people know our dad (Paul Jones) passed away early hours this morning."
Miss Jones said his death was "very unexpected" and the family were "all in shock".
She asked for privacy as the family mourned the loss of Mr Jones.
In a social media post, family friend Allan Hughes described Mr Jones as "a truly amazing friend".
"A lot of you knew him as the father of poor April Jones who was taken from us in 2012," he said.
"But myself and many more know him from being a great dad, son, brother and friend, also as part of the family."
He said Mr Jones would now be "reunited with April and [his] mam" and added that his "thoughts and prayers" were with his family.
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After Mr Jones contracted the brain condition encephalitis in 2018, he suffered memory loss.
He had to learn of his daughter's death for a second time after he was diagnosed with the condition.