Philip Tron was the son of June and Keith Tron and father of Olivia.325 He was the twin brother of Rachel and the brother of Andrew, Michael and Victoria.326 Philip was 32 years old at the time of his death on 22nd May 2017.327
Philip was a larger‑than‑life character.328 He was a joker, hugely likeable and had “the most recognisable big smile”.329 He was a “family-loving guy”330 who would get the older generation up on the dancefloor at family functions, even those in wheelchairs, and twirl them around the floor.331 Family was the most important thing to Philip and, above all, he wanted to find the right partner, settle down and have more children.332
I heard much about Philip’s practical skills. There was not a job that he would not try to do and he became the “go-to person”333 for family and friends needing jobs carried out.334 His sister Vicky joked that Philip was a “jack of all trades and master of none”.335
In 2016, Philip’s practical skills led him to secure a job at a water conservation company, which involved working with his hands and suited him perfectly.336 He had previously worked at the Gateshead Arms pub, where he was remembered for his “smile and cheeky grin” when talking to customers and for being “a great source of one-liners”.337
His happy‑go‑lucky character meant that he had many friends.338 I heard that Philip had a reputation for practical jokes and also for shying away from buying a round of drinks, much to the amusement of his family.339 His friends reflected that “heaven has a new Geordie ambassador. He’ll be waiting up there to greet you and even get you a pint, but it’ll be your round!”340 Philip’s spirit of fun has left his loved ones with many happy memories. He will live on through those.341
Events of 22nd May 2017
Philip had attended the Arena with his ‘mam’ June, girlfriend Deborah Hutchinson and Deborah’s daughters Courtney and Nicole Boyle.342 Nicole had a ticket to the Ariana Grande concert and they were dropping her off.343 They spent time in Manchester shopping and sightseeing, and while Nicole was at the concert, the rest of the group went out for dinner.344
They returned to the car after their meal, where they waited for the concert to finish.345 June recalls she was having a jokey argument with Philip because he had written rude words in her quiz book.346 This kind of prank was typical of Philip, and as he and Courtney left to collect Nicole, June remembers laughing with him.347 Philip and Courtney entered the City Room at 22:22:11 from the direction of Manchester Victoria Railway Station.348