TOUCHING messages were flowing in today for a “bubbly and infectious” Ipswich Town supporter who died of a brain haemorrhage.

TOUCHING messages were flowing in today for a “bubbly and infectious” Ipswich Town supporter who died of a brain haemorrhage.

Friends, family and fellow football fans have come together in universal admiration of David “Flash” Jay, who they say brought a smile to everyone he met.

As reported by The Evening Star last week, his family had just been coming to terms with the death of his grandmother, Florence Smith, who died in May after choking on a sandwich when the tragedy occurred.

Mr Jay, of Westbury Road, Ipswich, was just 33 years old when he died suddenly in a hotel room in Manchester earlier this month.

Kirsty McCulloch, of Bull Road, Ipswich, said: “David was a kind and well-loved person - someone who could always make you smile and laugh.”

Greer Leggett said: “He had a smile that could light up a crowd and a voice that never ceased to raise a smile.

“We had asked him to be one of our ushers at our wedding next year. We were counting on Flash to help us get everybody up on their feet and have a good time.”

The construction site manager had travelled to Blackpool to watch Ipswich Town play the weekend before his death.

He had been an ardent supporter and often travelled abroad to watch England matches with his Ipswich Town flag.

Many tributes have been posted on a fans' forum on the Those Were The Days website.

One poster, known as IP3blue said: “Terrible news and best wishes to his family. I went to Blackpool with him that weekend and he was on top form as always. RIP Flash.”

Warm words have also been sent in to a special Facebook page dedicated to Mr Jay, which has attracted more than 300 well-wishers.

His family is inviting people to his funeral, which will take place next Friday Will you be going to Mr Jay's funeral? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

“I knew David Jay through his cousin, a very good friend of mine. He never failed to make me smile or laugh. A very warm, bubbly and infectious character who will be missed by many.” RICKY C

“I was so sad to hear of the tragic death of David. It was a real shock. I went to primary school and high school with David and he always made me laugh.

“He was a real character and a true friend. I shall say a prayer and keep you in my thoughts.” MANDY

“David was known and loved by hundreds of people. We really can't believe that we will never see him again. Rest in peace Flash, with love, Greer and Colin xxx.” GREER LEGGETT

“I too, like many town fans like Flash, follow town, home and away, and also travel away with England. He will be sorely missed by many of us as he always brought laughter and a smile to wherever we may have been.

“Football days will not be the same anymore, a very sad loss. I know that Ipswich Town has many loyal fans, but Flash was right up there with the best, it would be a fitting tribute if the club could honour him in some way.” PAUL PERKINS

You were my first school crush and nearly died when you asked me to dance. Your smile always made me feel better. Hope you're looking down on us all. Sweet dreams xxxxx” CLAIRE FAIRWEATHER