Stephanie Hansen: Tributes to ‘environmental heroine’ found dead at home on New Year’s Eve

Tributes have been paid to an “environmental heroine” found dead at her home on New Year’s Eve.

Stephanie Hansen, 39, was found by police and paramedics on Willenhall Drive in Hayes, at about 10.15am on Saturday. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheldon Rodrigues, 29, who was known to Ms Hansen will appear in custody at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with her murder.

Friends took to social media over the weekend to pay tribute to Ms Hansen, describing her as a “beautiful young lady” with a great love of the natural world.

Ms Hansen was a volunteer at the Cranford Action Group, which aims to transform the local community into a “clean and green” neighbourhood.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the loss of our dear friend Stephanie Hansen on New Year’s Eve,” one volunteer wrote on the group’s Facebook page.

“Stephanie, a beautiful young lady and a remarkable environmental heroine.

“Her love for the natural world was unparalleled as was her dedication to cleaning and greening Cranford.

“She would trek every weekend from Hayes to Cranford to help with our local projects. We will miss her laughter, her boundless energy and fearlessness in tackling all things harmful to the environment. RIP Stef.”

Another added: “I will always remember Stephanie Hansen as a funny cheerful girl with her pink hoop. I can’t believe You are gone...You will be truly missed...rest in peace my beautiful friend...”

Det Ch Insp Neil John said: "My thoughts are with Stephanie’s family. They have suffered an unimaginable loss and we will give them every support.

"I know that this incident will have shocked people in the local community.

"While our investigation is still in its initial stages, I am confident that we are not looking for any further suspects and that there is no continuing risk to residents or the wider public."