HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a “talented and hardworking” photographer who was found dead the morning after his 21st birthday.
Messages of support have flooded in for the family of Jon Nsangue whose body was found in in woodlands off Manton Road, Brighton on Sunday, August 22.
An Instagram post written by his mum Johana Riquier has been inundated with hundreds of people commenting and paying their respects.
Among the well-wishers was Brighton rapper Arrdee, who said: “Clean hearted brother. Rest in paradise Jon.”
Johana posted an emotional statement on Facebook expressing her gratitude to those who had sent messages of support.
She said: “My beautiful son Johnathan passed away yesterday, in the wake of his 21st birthday.
“I am staying strong for him. I don’t know how to deal with it.
“My son was my best friend, he was my strength. He pushed me to work hard for him.
“I will take one day at a time and kindly ask you to respect our family privacy as we learn to manage the pain.
“I don’t know when I will start working again.”
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Jon was a videographer and video content creator who was involved with the Brighton black business network AfroKonnekt.
He was also a keen rugby player who played for Brighton Rugby Club.
Following his death, the club issued a statement remembering their teammate.
It read: “It is with a heavy heart that the Club have been informed that club member and player Jon Nsangue died last night on his 21st birthday.
“Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with his family and friends.”
A JustGiving page has been set up with the aim of raising £5,000 to cover the cost of his funeral.
A statement written on the fundraising site reads: “Anyone who knew Jonny will know how kind of a soul he was.
“You could not meet a happier, more vibrant guy. Always laughing and joking and lifting the spirits of everyone around him.
“Whether you knew Jonny through business, basketball, music, rugby, or even from a night out, he will have made you smile and left a bright light on your soul. He was loved by so many people.
“Jonny was also one of the most talented and hardworking people in this world.
“With his greatest passion being videography, he worked non stop on many different endeavours, always networking to develop and grow his career.
“He had so much ambition and he was destined for absolute greatness in each and every one of his dreams."
Sussex Police confirmed that emergency services were called after a man was found dead in woodland at 8.19am on Sunday, August 22.
A spokeswoman said the death is not being treated as suspicious and that the matter has been referred to the coroner.
To donate to the JustGiving page, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jonnyfuneralfundraise
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