Gracie Spinks: Police probe suspected murder-suicide in Derbyshire village

Keen horse rider found fatally injured in field

Keen horse rider Gracie Spinks, 23, was founded dead in a field in the Derbyshire village of Duckmanton (Gracie Spinks/Facebook)

Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after the bodies of a 23-year-old woman and man in his 30s were found within hours of each other in fields near a Derbyshire village.

The woman was found injured in a field near Staveley Road in Duckmanton at about 8.40am on Friday.

Paramedics attended, however the woman sadly died at the scene.

She has been named in reports as keen horse rider Gracie Spinks.

Derbyshire Constabulary refused to comment on reports suggesting she had been pestered by a stalker prior to her death.

The force said the man’s body was found in a field off Tom Lane at about 11am on Friday.

Officers believe the two deaths are linked and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents.

The force said the families of both the deceased had been traced and specially-trained officers were supporting them.

In a tribute on Facebook, Alicia Jordan posted: “Oh Gracie Spinks I don’t even know what to say. Heartbroken doesn’t even cut it.

“You really were the life of the party, we made so many memories us 4 and I couldn’t be more grateful to know you.

“Honestly sat here thinking of them is making me smile. This world is so so cruel and it’s really not fair. Rest in peace Gracie you will be so missed. Thinking of your family and friends.”

Brennan Newton posted: “She will be missed loads, heart of gold absolutely gutted X.”

By Sunday morning, a GoFundMe page set up to help Ms Spinks’ family by Abbey Griffin, one of her friends, had raised more than £5,800.

The junction of Staveley Road and Tom Lane in Duckmanton, Derbyshire (Google)

Ms Griffin said: “Gracie was a beautiful girl at just 23 years old she had already touched so many people’s life and what gorgeous memories she leaves behind.

“She was a caring and loving individual and was always happy to help. She was also so so stubborn and she’d always stand up for what was right.

“If you knew Gracie you’d also know she was horsey mad and had the most gorgeous horse called Paddy whom she loved dearly.

“Although no amount of money could ever bring Gracie back, I ask that you please donate what ever you can to help her family at this moment.

“We all love you so dearly Gracie, behave up there.”

Ms Griffin also said she would be organising a balloon release from the Markham Vale business park, where Ms Spinks worked, on Monday 28 June to allow her friends to say their goodbyes.

Ms Spinks had also been working as a part-time model, The Sun reported.

Derbyshire Constabulary said: “We appreciate that what has happened in Duckmanton today will have shocked and upset many people in the community and officers will carry out extra patrols in the coming days.

“We would urge you to stop and speak to an officer if you wish to raise any concerns.”

Additional reporting by PA