TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular doorman from Basingstoke who has died at the age of 20. Connor Brown was taken ill while driving near Alton on the afternoon on June 18.

The former Basingstoke College of Technology student pulled over in a lay-by where it is believed he suffered a medical episode.

Emergency services were unable to resuscitate him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Since the news broke of the former Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College student’s death, friends and family have rallied round to raise funds to help towards the funeral costs.

A crowd-funding page has been set up by Ben Thornton to help support Connor’s family, and in less than a week more than £1,000 has been raised in memory of the doorman who would have celebrated his 21st birthday on Friday June 24.

Connor’s employers, Bridgegate Security Limited, led the tributes on Facebook posting: “It is with great sadness that we have lost one of our own.

“Connor Brown, from Basingstoke, was a dedicated and hard-working member of the Bridgegate family.

“He worked across several venues in and around Basingstoke and despite his young age he was a valid and respected member of the Bridgegate team.

“He was friendly and popular, and will be missed by many. RIP Connor. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Friends of the former BCoT student also took to social media reacting to the shocking news and paying tribute to a “great guy”.

Alex Bourne posted: “Miss you so much already buddy RIP. I know you’re here with us still even though we can’t see you, love you.”

With Reece Dominy adding: “RIP big fella maybe you can guard the pearly gates.”

Fiya Charalambous wrote: “This is actually so heartbreaking, one of the nicest blokes. “Really going to miss seeing his face around. Sleep tight.”

All the money raised from the crowd-funding page will go towards Connor’s funeral, which will be held at Basingstoke Crematorium on Wednesday at 3.30pm. Everyone is welcome, no dress code.

To donate visit crowdfunding.justgiving. com/Connors-funeral.