TOUCHING tributes have been paid to an “absolute gentleman” who died suddenly from meningitis.

Daniel Smethurst, a former pupil at Thundersley Primary School and the Deanes School in Thundersley, was just 29-years-old.

Daniel died after he started to feel unwell and visited the hospital, where it was discovered he had contracted meningitis.

He passed away within a week of being diagnosed.

Friends and family have been posting on Facebook following his funeral to say how much Mr Smethurst, also known as Mr Daniels, will be missed.

One friend posted: “Such a beautiful send off for a man who was loved by so many. Rest easy now Dan Daniels, forever in my thoughts.”

Another wrote: “See you again some day Dan, what a lovely send off you had today.

“Privileged to have a friend like you. “Will be talking about all our memories wherever I go, you will never leave my thoughts.

“Fly high with the angels you absolute gentleman.”

Daniel started to feel ill just a few days before Christmas. He passed away on December 29.

Mr Smethurst’s funeral took place at Pitsea Crematorium on January 15 and was packed out with friends and family. People had to stand at the back of the crematorium to see the service.

Foo Fighters and Radiohead’s Creep played at the service, showing his love for rock songs.

Friends and family praised Mr Smethurst for his thoughtfulness, with many saying he was “one of a kind”.

Mr Smethurst was known by his friends and family for his sense of adventure and had travelled to Australia with pals.

He also went off back packing on his own as he always made friends easily.

From the funeral, his family and friends raised £310 to donate to the Cinnamon Trust - a charity they felt that he would have supported given that he was hugely fond of animals - and The Critical Care Unit at Southend Hospital who cared for him.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Mr Smethurst, please visit and donate at the fundraising page justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dansmethurst