Echo readers' tributes to Sunderland photographer Dean Matthews

Dean, who captured a series of stunning images of the city, died yesterday, Thursday, November 12, after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Echo’s Facebook page regularly featured his work and readers used it to share their tributes as news broke of his passing last night.

Vicky Curry wrote: “So sad. RIP Dean and condolences to your family. Such a talented man taken away from his life and his family far too soon, while Janice Becas wrote: “Such sad news, a very talented photographer. My deepest sympathy to his family. x

Dawn Outlaw said Dean had been ‘a lovely soul and a fantastic artist’, while Paula Reed called his death a ‘devastating loss’.

Tina Barella Blenkiron said: “A life taken too soon to an invisible killer. He took some phenomenal photos. Sending my sincerest condolences to the family and friends he leaves behind. Fly high over the rainbow and R.I.P”, and Lisa Sachar Pendleton wrote: “I will really miss his beautiful photographs. He brought the sights and landscapes of Sunderland to life.

Siobhan Carrigan hoped the response to Dean’s death would help his loved ones: “I hope his family take comfort in the fact not only did he capture fantastic photos but he’s captured peoples hearts of the North East.”

Chris Blake said Dean’s pictures had ‘brought so much joy across the region and beyond, while Michelle Robson Flett said: “The light of city pictures have gone out.”

Carol Fulton said Dean’s pictures had been a reminder of home: “Living in the south they have always brought me joy, seeing Sunderland through his eyes” while Amanda Fair said his work had been a help through the early days of lockdown: “I always looked forward to seeing his pictures, often they got me through the hard times of early covid with uplifting images”, and Nesika Stirling wrote “So so sad... what a very talented man.. loved how he always captured Sunderland at his best in his photographs. My thoughts are very much with his family at this time xx

And Kath Riley said: “He was such a talented man and his photos were stunning and beautiful. He always showed the beautiful side of Sunderland. I for one will miss seeing his photos every day.”

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