TRIBUTES have poured in for an avid Arsenal fan who has died suddenly at the age of 34.

Dad-of-two Jay McLeod died at home after suffering from a blood clot to the heart, known as a pulmonary embolism, on Friday, April 1.

He grew up on Galahad Close in King Arthurs Way and went to Harrow Way School before moving to Ludgershall with his partner Kim Hearne and their two children Jermaine, three, and Chantelle, one.

Miss Hearne left Mr McLeod doing what he loved, playing as Arsenal on football video game FIFA to go shopping.

By the time she got back Mr McLeod, who had no pre-existing medical condition, had passed away.

Miss Hearne said: “He was an amazing boyfriend and a dedicated father to our two children. He will be sorely missed and will always be in our hearts.”

His sister Emma Cook said: “God has taken you too soon but we will meet again one day.”

Mr McLeod's mother, Thelma Barnicott, said "My beautiful boy, the brightest star up there in paradise.

"Funny, funny little man, I love you and miss you.

"Forever a piece of my heart is missing."

Mr McLeod's father, Ian McLeod, said: "He tried to help anyone he could.

"He always had a really good sense of honour and respect and that was always what he gave everyone.

"I taught him that, 'don't say anything if you're not going to follow up'.

"You'll never see his kind again, it's quite devastating for me and it's quite painful still.

"He was well-loved by everyone and it's such a shame.

"Some days I can't believe it happened.

"My life was to bring him up the best possible way and I think I succeeded."

Cousin Charlotte Newman said Mr McLeod was a joker who loved to make people laugh and used to take them to London on trips.

Aunt Lisa Blake said: “RIP my beautiful nephew, Jay Dean. Probably the biggest Arsenal fan in the world.

“Always in our hearts and thoughts, my douffus. Our heartfelt thoughts to Kim, Jermaine and Chantelle, Jay’s beautiful family, and to Thelma Barnicott and Ian McLeod, Jay’s parents.”

Cousin Denise Reynolds said: "Goodnight, sleep tight, until we meet again.

"I love and miss you lots. One in a million, love you Jay."

A close friend of the 34-yearold, Leigh-Ann Huntley, said: “He’s like a brother to me.

“I have known him for over 10 years and he was a hero to me, “I love him and I will truly miss him.”

Alex Portsmouth, a friend from King Arthurs Way, said: “He was one of the most trustworthy and amazing people I have every had the pleasure of meeting.

“It was a shame that something like this happened to him. It’s so hard because it leaves me so speechless.

“I knew I could turn to him no matter what. He’d make the effort to be there for you. I respect him 100 per cent as a man. He was like a brother to me.

“It was a phone call that changed my life and many others’ lives. When someone mentions his name, all we feel is love and respect, and I love him.

“It was tragic and I couldn’t believe it when I heard.” Mr McLeod’s funeral is at 12.30pm, tomorrow, at St Mary’s Church, Andover, followed by a burial at Charlton Cemetery.