TRIBUTES have been paid to a “big hearted” teenager who died following a fall from Eastbourne Pier.

The family of Callum King have shared heartfelt memories with The Argus of the 18-year-old they knew and loved.

Callum died at Eastbourne Pier on Friday last week – just days before his 19th birthday.

Friends and family are now hoping the kindness of strangers will help pay for his funeral costs and have launched a crowdfunder in his memory.

He had been hospitalised hours before his death on mental health grounds but was later released against the wishes of his friends.

Callum fell from the pier shortly after midday and although he was pulled from the water and treated by paramedics, he died at the scene.

Callum grew up in Petworth where he attended Petworth Primary School and then Midhurst Rother College.

The family then moved to Brighton where they lived in a flat in Hollingdean. Callum went to school at Varndean.

A keen football and basketball player, as well as a skater, Callum once led a community campaign to have a skate park built.

He had been living in temporary accommodation in Brighton and Hove but had been moved out to Eastbourne in recent months.

A family statement given to The Argus said: “Callum was a cheeky but loving young boy.

“He had loads of friends and he always had a cheeky smile.

“He enjoyed playing football; he was a very sporty young lad.

“He loved gardening, fixing people’s gardens and helping out when he could and moving things around.

“He was always very helpful when we moved house and he was always the first to ask to put furniture together.

“On the days we did see him he would always offer to help out with anything.

“He just had a big heart and cared deeply about everyone around him.”

A Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust spokeswoman said: “We were very sorry to learn of the death of Callum King and send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

“We are unable to comment publicly at the moment about any contact Callum may have had with our services but we would participate fully in any review of incidents involving people receiving care and treatment from us.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Emergency services were called to Eastbourne Pier in Grand Parade, Eastbourne, shortly after 12 noon on Friday, May 5, to reports that a man had fallen from the pier in to the sea.

“The man was pulled from the water and despite the efforts of paramedics he sadly died at the scene.

“The coroner has been informed.

“No one else is being sought in connection with the incident at this time.”

To support the fundraiser visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/callum-king.