DEVASTATED friends have paid tribute to a 'kind and caring' university student who 'always saw the best in people' following his tragic death.
Jason Brockbanks, 24, from Whitehaven, has been named locally as the man who died at the Mansion Tyne student accommodation in Newcastle upon Tyne last Tuesday.
Northumbria Police are yet to confirm the student’s identity.
Friends have now spoken of the 'heartbreaking' loss of Jason, who they have described as the 'purest soul'.
Jack Burton from Whitehaven, who has been friends with Jason since secondary school, said: “The Jason I knew was kind and caring and would look out for anyone.
“He was always there to talk about any problem whether it was school at the time or outside of that. He was there for everyone. Even up until recently he would always message asking how I was.
“It’s a big loss to not only myself but people that knew him also. I was very taken aback by his loss. I’ve known Jason since the first day of secondary school and spent a large portion of my last couple of years with him; even after school he still kept in contact.”
Ross Irvine, from Whitehaven, who is also a school friend, said: “I’ve known Jase since school but really started to be around him at the age where we started to drink.
“He would come to our mates for drinks and go town with him. He was quiet but once he had a drink was energetic and great to be around.
“He will be missed by the group loads. In terms of what’s happened, I’m upset and gutted that it’s happened to the most caring and gentle lad I knew.”
Aaron Thwaites, from Whitehaven, who became friends with Jason after leaving school, said: “We just clicked as he did with everyone. He got on with everyone and spoke to anyone on a night out even if he didn’t know them.
“Jase was probably the purest soul I know. He wouldn’t do wrong by anyone and always thought about how his actions would affect others.
“He was funny without meaning to be and he was the life of any party, he’d tell you exactly what he thought of you, being nice about it though, well sometimes!
“I’m lost for words about his loss. It’s going to stay with me and everyone for a while I think. He’ll stay in our memories forever and I’ll always remember the fun we had on nights out before Covid hit.”
Liam Bacon from Lowca said: "I've known Jason since about 2018 but in that short time we have had many great nights out and trips to Liverpool.
“He was always quiet but once he had a couple to drink, became the life of any party and was always great to be around.
“It has really shook us all what has happened especially to such a caring lad who wouldn't hurt a fly.”
Tyler Lee Irving from Whitehaven said: "Jason was one of those people who would do anything for anyone. He was kind, warm and funny and would always ask you if you were okay. He genuinely cared about people and he'll he a huge miss to everyone.
"I’m just so shocked that someone would do something to someone so kind and genuine like Jason. It’s heartbreaking. I hope Jason is somewhere and is at peace. Rest in Peace Jason."
School friends Shona Ackroyd and Callie Knowles, from Whitehaven, said: “We went to secondary school with Jason - he was a kind, caring and gentle soul who always saw the best in people.
“The news of his passing has shaken not only us, but our whole cohort. We still can’t believe that something like this could happen to somebody like him.
Danielle Lee, who owns Club 135 in Whitehaven, said: “We are all sad to hear of the passing of one of our loveliest customers, Jason Brockbanks.
“I served him for years, even in some of my old jobs I’ve had. He’s such a lovely, well-mannered and conscientious guy.”
Lee Currie, from Lockerbie, who became friends with Jason after they met on a night out, said: “Jason was a lovely young man who had his whole life ahead of him. We always have kept in touch every day.
“He would never harm a soul and always looked out for people. He will be sadly missed by all. He has left a gaping hole in my heart that will never be filled again.
“R.I.P Jason, sleep tight. You will always have a special place in my heart.”
A spokesperson from Northumbria University said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a Northumbria University student has died.
"We are in contact with the student’s family and friends to offer any support we can at this tragic time.
"As this is an ongoing police investigation we are unable to comment further."
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