David Carling, acclaimed for his role as the voice behind Station Officer Steele in Fireman Sam, has passed away at 55.
Renowned for his voice work on the beloved children’s series since 2008, Carling also lent his talent to characters such as Chief Fire Officer Boyce and Trevor Evans. His death was confirmed to have occurred on December 10, as tributes began to flood social media.
His representatives at Just Voices Agency were among those expressing their sorrow, stating: “We are devastated to announce the tragic news that the wonderful David Carling passed away last Tuesday. He was a much beloved father, husband, friend, actor and voiceover artist and will be hugely missed by everyone that knew and worked with him.”
A friend added: “David died earlier this month. It’s terrible news and very sad for everyone who knew him. He was lovely to work with and a true professional.”
In wake of the poignant loss, a fundraising initiative has been launched in remembrance of the actor. Aiming for a modest £250, the Just Giving campaign swiftly surpassed its goal, accumulating over £1,300 in generous contributions, reports the Mirror.
The tribute on the page reads: “We are very saddened to hear of the loss of one of Soho’s great Voice over Artists, David Carling. Those who have had the pleasure to work and meet David, would all agree he would lighten up a room with his smile and wonderful sense of humour.”
Tributes to David read: “A fantastically versatile and talented artist his voice has been heard by so many. On behalf of Soho’s sound engineers and anyone else that would like to leave a donation please feel free to here and add any messages for David. We wish his family all the love we can through this tough time. You give a little love and it all comes back to you, you know you’re gonna be remembered for the things that you said and do. We’ll miss ya love.”
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On Twitter, fans have expressed their sadness, with one Tweet lamenting: “I am very saddened to hear about the death of David Carling, the voice of Station Officer Steele, Chief Fire Officer Boyce, Trevor Evans, Mike Flood and Tom Thomas in the CGI series of Fireman Sam.”
Others also grieved, as seen in a heartfelt post: “Devastating to hear the news of David Carling, Fireman Sam VA of Steele, Tom Thomas, Mike Flood from Series 6-16, taking over from John Sparkes in S5, has now died. Can only imagine what it’s like for his family just days before Christmas. Not really a time you’d want to mourn.”
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