FRIENDS have paid tribute to “cheeky chappy” Aaron Joyce whose sudden death has brought them closer together.

An inquest ruled the dad, 23, took his own life after he was found dead at a house in Thomas Road, Clacton, on January 16.

James Regan, 25, met Aaron through mutual friends when he was 17.

They also worked together at Appliance Care Recycling, in Brightlingsea, for two years.

Mr Regan, of Clacton, saw Aaron the day before he killed himself.

Speaking to the Gazette, he said: “He was normal Aaron. We planned to have a beer and a catch-up the next day, but it never happened.

“The following day I heard the news over Facebook. I was gobsmacked.

“I felt sick to my stomach - I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it.

“Everyone has troubles but he kept them to himself. He was the sort of person who would help everyone else with their problems, but not let anyone help him with his.

“If he did let us know, people would’ve reached out.”

To support Aaron’s mum Wendy Farthing, Mr Regan launched a crowd funding campaign, which raised £1,800 to help fund the funeral.

The former Colbayns High School pupil, now Clacton Coastal Academy, leaves behind a young son and two siblings.

Mr Regan said: “Aaron was a cheeky chappy and a gentle giant, who would go out of his way to make you happy.

“Every time you saw him he always had a smile on his face and was just a happy-go-lucky lad, and an open soul.

“His death slapped all of us in the face but has pulled us closer together. Naturally people drift apart sometimes, but when something like this happens, you question whether you could’ve been there more for that person.”

  • If you are experiencing mental health difficulties click here for a list of organisations that can help.