Tributes pour in after tragic death of Simonstone man (25)

George Paul Howarth (25) described by his grieving friends as the “brightest star in the sky”, was found dead at his London home on Sunday.

The sudden death of the popular former Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth Form pupil has left family and friends devastated.

Scores of heartfelt messages and tributes have been left for the talented engineer on a dedicated Facebook page set up in his memory.

Friends described him as a fun-loving, charming, and unforgettable character with a big heart and one message said “you are truly an amazing person.”

One friend, Rachel Potts, wrote: “I just don’t know what to say, I’ve been trying to find the words all day but I just can’t believe it, you were such a good friend George, amazing, gorgeous, funny, intelligent – the list is endless, you’ll be sorely missed.”

His cousin Sarah Leighton wrote a touching poem which said George’s tragic death had left a gaping hole in everyone’s heart.

Dan Nelson (25) who grew up as one of George’s best friends, said: “He was a top lad. He was such great fun to be around and he was very charming and had a very engaging personality. That is the best way to remember him.”

Former workmates at BMP Europe in Altham, where George first trained to be an engineer, spoke of the great times they had shared with him.

George later moved to London where he worked at Linde CryoPlants Ltd and colleagues there offered condolences to his family and friends.

A post-mortem was set to be carried out by pathologists before Battersea Coroner’s Office opened and adjourned an inquest into the death.

George’s funeral will take place next Thursday at St John’s Church in Read.