Tributes paid to tragic stag party man

RELATIVES of a Felixstowe man who died while on a stag trip in Birmingham have today spoken publicly about the tragedy for the first time.

From their home in South Africa, cousins, aunties and uncles of 25-year-old Michael Agar have told of their pain over the popular former Suffolk College student's sudden death.

In a tribute sent to The Evening Star, Mr Agar's aunt Pauline Kaye, uncle Paul and their families said: “There's a new bright star in the sky this week and its name is Michael.

“We remember waiting for him to be born in Cape Town, South Africa, something that he was proud of, and him being christened in Cape Town cathedral.

“We all loved him and admired his achievements in life. He was a person any parent would be proud to call their son.

“He loved nothing more than being at home with his family and will be missed by so many people in his all too short life.”

Mr Agar, of Ickworth Court, was found dead in his hotel room in Edgbaston, on the outskirts of Birmingham, on March 9. It is believed he had travelled to the city with a group of friends to celebrate a stag weekend.

Police have launched an investigation and are awaiting the results of toxicology tests. The death was being treated as unexplained and is not thought to be suspicious.

In another tribute to Mr Agar, who was known as Mikey, his relatives Maxine, Stewart and Sean Turtle said: “They say cousins are flowers from the same garden, may you find shade and comfort in the garden of your soul.

“I just want to say that a big branch has fallen off our tree and to say goodbye my dear cousin.

“Will love you always and forever.”

Mr Agar was a former member of Felixstowe's Ferry Boat football team and had remained a loyal supporter of the team.

Another friend who referred to themselves as Turley wrote: “I didn't know you very well, but enough to know what a nice person you were. RIP my friend.”

Birmingham and Solihull Coroner's office is due to open an inquest into Mr Agar's death tomorrow.

How will you remember Michael Agar? Were you on the trip with him? Call The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail your tributes to starnews@eveningstar.co.uk

The tributes in full:

Mike is what I called you, perfect is what you were, love is what you offered and care is what you felt.

Michael you were and always will be very special to me. They say cousins are flowers from the same garden, may you find shade and comfort in the garden of your soul. I just want to say that a big branch has fallen off our tree and to say goodbye my dear cousin.

Will love you always and forever. Maxine, Stewart and Sean in South Africa

There's a new bright star in the sky this week and its name is Michael. We remember waiting for him to be born in Cape Town South Africa, something that he was proud of, and him being christened in Cape Town cathedral.

I remember the first time he saw snow, he 'posted' some through my letter box not knowing that it would melt.

We remember too many good times to list in a short memorial. We all loved him and admired his achievements in life, he was a person any parent would be proud to call their son, he loved nothing more than being at home with his family and will be missed by so many people in his all too short life.

Our thoughts and love go across the miles to his parents, Martin and Sue, brother and sister, Chris and Sam.

We mourn his tragic death too much to describe.

From his Aunty Pauline, Uncle Paul, cousins and their families in South Africa

I didn't know you very well, but enough to know what a nice person you were. RIP my friend.

Turley.

Mike, Sorry we never got the chance to catch up since leaving school. As far as I am concerned once a friend, always a friend. RIP mate.

Latimer

Can't believe this is actually happening, only spoke to you a few days ago. Will miss you soooooooo much and our random little text chats and random lunches. You'll always be in my heart and never forgotten. Will always remember our time together. Take care, sweet cheeks. Love you xxxxxx

Gemma Jelinska

My heart has just sunken to my feet, I feel completely empty, shocked and distressed at reading this news. I taught Michael at college and he was one of the most warm, charismatic, well spoken and funniest students I have ever met. He was always willing to listen, learn and help others less fortunate than himself, he became an excellent chef. I also had the privilege of playing football against him in the annual staff verses students match of which he marked me, he was a 100 per cent competitor. I am totally shattered and heart-broken.

Chris Ward, Ipswich

I send my condolences to Michael's family. My son was on the trip and although I didn't know Michael my heart goes out to his family. It's what every parent dreads.

Shirley Goodchild