TRIBUTES have poured in for a 21-year-old rugby player from Bradford, described as the "kindest friend" and someone who "brought laughter into every room he entered".

Alex Barusevicus, nicknamed 'A man' by his university friends, was a student at the University of Nottingham and much loved player at Keighley RUFC.

The club, who reported the tragic news on Friday, said he had taken his own life while away at university.

His loss is not only felt in Bradford but in the hearts of people, young and old, across the country.

There will now be a big hole where he once stood."

Those who knew Alex have given a glimpse into the "charming" person he was. Many of his friends told how he always had a cup of Yorkshire Tea in his hand and made "THE best panini".

In an emotional letter to Alex, Georgia Hazell wrote: "Dear Alex, I wish you could see the impact your absence has had on everyone around you. I wish you were here to see all the kind things people have to say about you - how lovely you were, how much you made people laugh, how much you helped people. You were and are still so loved in this world. You had achieved so much, know every single one of us is so proud of you. I never thought I’d wake up in a world where you weren’t here anymore. I hope you find the peace you were so desperately looking for. All my love, Georgia x"

Duncan Caldwell, who met Alex through the University of Nottingham's American Football Team, said: "Alex’s passing has shocked and saddened the entire University of Nottingham American Football team, who will miss our teammate dearly. Alex joined the team late last year and quickly became a well-loved member of the family.

"He made his first plays for the first team in our penultimate game of the season and made an impressive impact as a player. More importantly, he was a friend. He embodied the attributes that our team cherishes and fosters amongst its players; commitment and friendship."

Siân Watkins said: "I am so sorry to lose such a great friend. He was one of the cleverest people I have been fortunate enough to know, who brought laughter into every room he entered. He will always be a big part of my University experience and there will now be a big hole where he once stood. I will miss you terribly, but I really hope you’re at peace now and looking down on us all with a big mug of tea. You made THE best panini and I told you this many times!"

Daniel Hurst said: "Alex was an amazing soul and he will be missed by everyone. He had the ability to make everyone smile with his smile, and everyone laugh with his laugh. He managed to make friends with everyone he met. We will all remember Alex, whether it’s his unusual slang, him constantly having his Yorkshire Tea mug by his side, or his love for risotto. But for me it will be how he was so intelligent, so kind, and so funny. University will not be the same without you mate and we will talk about you, and miss you every single day."

Bethany Charlton paid tribute by saying: "I was fortunate enough to be Bestfriends with Alex at university. What an amazing and kindhearted boy he was. Sending all my love to his family and friends. We will miss him so much."

You can pay tribute and read memories in the online book of condolence for Alex here.