TRIBUTES have been paid to “a sweet, kind soul” who died hours before he was due to start a new life.

John Coupland, known as Cosmic, was found dead on Monday.

The 36-year-old was a rough sleeper who could often be found in North Station Road, Colchester.

In the weeks before his death, he had reconnected with family in Scotland and was set to head north for a new life.

Cousin Adele Kirk said: “I had spent a long time trying to trace him, when I did he was so overcome with happiness that some family actually cared he burst into tears.

“He couldn’t believe he was finally going to get help out of his heartbreaking situation and start a new life with his family here in Scotland where he wanted to spend the rest of his life and finally feel safe.

“He was due to arrive here on Monday, my daughter and I had secured his accommodation and spoke all weekend about his arrival.

“My son and I had got him food, shoes, clothes, bedding and we all got him things for his new house.

“We were all so excited and so incredibly happy. Sadly that morning when he was due to be picked up by the taxi he was discovered still in bed and he had passed away.

“Our only comfort is he finally knew we never gave up looking for him, he knew how very much we all loved him and would support him, and he finally had hope and dreams of a new start.”

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She added: “My cousin was the sweetest, kindest, well mannered soul and despite what he has been through remained perfectly lovely.

“I loved him so very much and had only recently found him again after years of searching.

“Although we had been out of touch, when we reconnected it was as if we had never been apart.”

“I would like to thank all that made that reconnection possible.”

The family are now crowdfunding for a private funeral for Mr Coupland.

They are hoping to hold a larger memorial service when Covid-19 restrictions are eased for other friends and well wishers to pay their respects.

Adele added: “If you can’t donate then please at least think twice before you negatively judge the next homeless person you meet.

“They are human, they are loved by someone somewhere, and just like us they probably didn’t think it would ever be them.”

To donate go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/forjohn.