A GOLF club head greenkeeper has been found dead at home just weeks after his wife conceived their first child through fertility treatment.

Family and friends are mourning the loss of David Young who worked at Darwen Golf Club. Police said he apparently stopped breathing in "unusual" circumstances at his home but said his death appeared to have been caused by an accident and they did not believe anybody else was involved.

Mr Young, 39, of Earnsdale Road, Darwen, leaves his newly pregnant wife, Jacqui, who is also in her 30s. The couple had used IVF treatment in a bid to have children. Jacqui is being comforted by her parents.

A close family friend today paid tribute to David. She said: "David worshipped the ground Jacqui walked on. They had been married for 13 years and had a happy and loving relationship. They had been trying for a child for a long time and were thrilled to bits about the new pregnancy. David was really looking forward to becoming a dad.

"Jacqui is absolutely devastated. Everybody knows David was very decent, gentle, charming, witty and thoughtful." An ambulance crew from Blackburn went to the couple's house at 12.39pm on Sunday where Mr Young was pronounced dead.

Inspector Stephen Haworth of Blackburn police said: "Initial indications are that Mr Young died as a result of asphyxiation, although we still are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination. There are unusual circumstances surrounding the death, which we are investigating, but there is nothing at the moment that would indicate it was anything other than accidental."

Mr Young started work as an apprentice greenkeeper at Darwen Golf Club after leaving school.

John Lawson, the club's honorary secretary, said: "We are all shocked and devastated about David's death.

"He had worked at the club for 25 years. He was a much loved friend to everybody who knew him. Our sympathy goes to his wife and family. We are keeping in close contact with them to offer any support we can." An inquest into the death is due to be opened today. The funeral service is planned to take place at St Cuthbert's Church, Darwen, on Friday, May 5.