THE family of Weeley’s Nick Alexander, who was killed in the Paris terrorist attacks, have paid tribute to their “best friend”.

Nick, 36, was shot when the Bataclan concert hall was stormed by terrorists on Friday.

More than 130 people lost their lives at attacks across Paris, including 89 at the music venue where Nick was working as the merchandise manager for American rock band Eagles of Death Metal.

Nick grew up in Clacton Road, Weeley, where his parents Barry and Sheelagh and sister Zoe still live.

Zoe said: “We will miss him forever – it has left a huge void in our lives.

“We didn’t get official confirmation that he has died until the following afternoon.

“In this current world of social media, we found out a lot quicker through the internet than through official channels.”

She added: “Mum had spoken to him the day before when he was on the ferry to Paris and we knew he was in the venue when we saw it reported on the news.

“It was just a case of waiting and watching the news, but we hadn’t heard anything positive. It was a very difficulty time.

“We are a tight family and we love to spend time with each other.

“Nick was a very, very special part of our lives.

“We are doing okay and are holding together. We are taking huge comfort from all of the messages we have had.”

Zoe paid tribute to her brother as a “thoughtful and kind person” and said the family did not want to make any political statement about the attackers.

“Nick was the epitome of tolerance and we need to keep focus,” added Zoe. “He would approach everybody – there was no bigotry in that boy.”

Nick was well known in Weeley, where he had been a Scout and a Venture Scout.

He had also been an altar boy at the village’s St Andrew’s Church.

Gazette:

Nick studied at St James’ Primary School in Colchester and Colchester Royal Grammar School before reading English at Liverpool University, where he went on to study a master in science fiction.

She said Nick’s work had taken him across the world and added he had toured with bands such as Crowded House and Sum 41.

“He would have loved all the tributes to him,” said Zoe.

“In the touring life you become family over eight or nine weeks on the road and he had some really close bonds with artists he worked with.

“He had a great reputation for being professional, but personally people loved to hang out with him"

Gazette:

A candle will be lit at a Weeley’s St Andrew’s Church in memory of Nick every Sunday until his funeral takes place.

A book of condolence in memory of Nick will be opened at the church, off Clacton Road, from 10am to noon on Saturday.