Benefits Street Star Fungi Found Dead

Benefits Street star James Clarke, known as Fungi, has been found dead in Birmingham.

He was found in the early hours of 1 July at an address in the Small Heath area of the city by police, who then called ambulance crews to try to save him - but there was nothing they could do and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

Channel 4

As reported by Birmingham Live, a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "Called at 2.52am by police to Vicarage Road, Kings Heath reports of a patient in cardiac arrest.

"Two ambulances were sent but after the first crew arrived, the second was quickly stood down.

"Confirmed death of a man, handed over to the police."

A statement from West Midlands Police read: "Police were called after the body of a man believed to be in his 50s was discovered at an address in Vicarage Road, Kings Heath Small Heath around 2.45am this morning (1 July).

"His death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner."

Fungi became famous after he appeared on Channel 4's controversial show, Benefits Street in 2014. Along with co-star White Dee, Fungi and other residents of James Turner Street showed what life was really like living on benefits.

Although he was well known, he didn't profit from his fame, and in 2016 was spotted sleeping rough.

Tributes have flooded in for him, with people describing him as 'troubled, but lovable', as they take to social media.

Channel 4

One person posted: "RIP Mr James Clarke. Sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Local campaigner, Izzy Knowles, tweeted: "Saddened to hear this. I got to know James quite well, a troubled but likeable character who cared about people worse off even than himself. My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP James."

Another wrote: "Such sad news. I got to know James when I lived in Moseley, he was a real character and used to shout 'Villa' at me every time I saw him."

Someone else said: "So sad remember him coming in our cafe. Had a lovely conversation with him. And he was trying to sort his life out. Sad as he obviously didn't beat his demons. R I P. Condolences to family."

RIP Fungi.

Topics: uk news

Amelia Ward

Amelia is a journalist at LADbible. After studying journalism at Liverpool John Moores and Salford Uni (don't ask), she went into PR and then the world of music. After a few years working on festivals and events, she went back to her roots. In her spare time, Amelia likes music, Liverpool FC, and spending good, quality time with her cat, Paul. You can contact Amelia at [email protected].

@amelialadbible