Tributes to dancing legend Dave, who died in Matlock club

Chesterfield Coroner's Court confirmed reports of the death of Dave Smith, 62.

The well-known face in the club was a regular on the dance floor according to family and friends and is described as 'dying doing what he loved'.

Rose Clarke described the scene as other dancers came to Dave's aid after he collapsed. She said: "Myself and my friend stood by to take over if needed from the brave and brilliant people who were trying to help him. Very sad but it made us realise that we wouldn't hesitate to help someone in future in this situation.

"With all the first aid training you never know if you would lose it or use it."

Rob Kinchin-smith said: "Thank you from Dave's family to everyone above for the lovely messages, and thank you to everyone at The Loft for doing everything they could to save Dave, most especially the DJ who kept up CPR continuously until the paramedics arrived. We know he couldn't have been in better hands and that everything that could have been done was done. Dave died dancing, doing what he loved most. He was happy and in a good place again, and re-emerging on the Cromford/Matlock dance circuit again was his way of celebrating this."

Hours before his death, Dave posted a message on Facebook saying: "Don't dance like nobody's watching, dance like someone is watching and about to slide a $20 bill into your underpants..."

The club released a statement saying that a man collapsed while dancing, and died despite attempts to save his life.

The Loft co-owner Wendy Spencer said: "Everyone responded really well and they left as quickly and quietly as possible."

Customers of The Loft Club in Matlock sent out their thoughts to Dave's family on Facebook after the shocking incident on Saturday night (April 9) during a 80s & 90s Disco Fever night.

Anthony Fern said: "I didn't know Dave but I spent many of nights dancing on the same dance floor with him. Like so many people have said he died doing something he loved."

Claire Roose-Elcock posted: "So sad, bless him, but I couldn't think of a better way to go than dancing away to the 80s enjoying himself. “Condolences to his family, and hugs to all the staff at The Loft who did their very best to help the gentleman."

Lorraine Brown said "I will always remember Dave dancing at Nine Ladies a few years ago, we stayed for a week and it was lovely. RIP Soul Brother."

A Derbyshire police spokeswoman confirmed officers were called to the scene at around 10.45pm on Saturday night after reports that a man had collapsed.

Chesterfield Coroner's Court said there was no inquest planned into the death.