FRIENDS and colleagues of an Ipswich man who has died in Africa today told of their sadness over his death.Jason Hadley, a former student at Copleston High School, is believed to have died on September 13 while working for an oil company in Ghana.

FRIENDS and colleagues of an Ipswich man who has died in Africa today told of their sadness over his death.

Jason Hadley, a former student at Copleston High School, is believed to have died on September 13 while working for an oil company in Ghana.

Ipswich Coroner's office is looking into the circumstances surrounding the popular 24-year-old's death while some of those who knew him have told of their shock.

In tributes posted on the Facebook social networking site they described him as “never without a smile on his face”.

One colleague, Les Pratt, who worked with Mr Hadley for several months in Norway until January, said: “I and other close work pals of Jason are stunned at this terrible news.”

Another colleague, Sean Jones, said: “I was working with him in Ghana and he sadly passed away in shocking and tragic circumstances.”

Friend Sam Dines said: “Jason's my oldest friend and I'm massively gutted about what's happened.”

Noel Pells, another friend, said: “I can't believe the news. Jason always had time to say hello and chat whenever I bumped into him around town.”

And Callum Gibson wrote: “Jason was always cheerful, (I) don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. I'm sure this is how he will always be remembered.”

Other friends recalled seeing Mr Hadley, whose parents live in Martlesham Heath, in Ipswich recently.

Mikaela McMurtry wrote: “I only saw Jason in Liquid a couple of months ago. He was so happy and lively and cheered everyone up.”

Kevin Cullum said: “I was only speaking to Jason a few weeks ago in the hairdressers.” And in a direct message to his friend he said: “RIP Jason, you will be missed mate.”

Mr Hadley's friends are now working together to raise money for a memorial to him, possibly in the grounds of Copleston High.

Jonathan Oke, who described his friend's death as “an indescribably awful time”, said: “I'm personally thinking maybe a bench with plaque in the old school grounds.”

Ipswich Coroner's office said the inquest into Mr Hadley's death was opened and adjourned yesterday. The office confirmed he had died in Ghana but said the full details of his death would be considered by the coroner at his inquest.

A private family funeral is set to be held on October 11 at St Augustine's Church, Ipswich, followed by a reception for family and friends.

Do you want to pay tribute to Jason Hadley? Call The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.