A HEARTBROKEN councillor has spoken of his son’s sudden death which he believes was down to the stress of work and trying to provide for two young families.

Tino Callaghan, councillor for Prittlewell ward on Southend Council, believes the 16-hour days his son worked trying to save for a deposit for a flat for his new family caused the depression which led to his death.

Kieron Callaghan, 25, died suddenly on July 28 five days before his baby girl was born.

Kieron, who had split with the child’s mother in January, was also expecting a child with his new partner.

He died at a caravan in Burnham where he’d recently moved to from Southend with his partner. His dad, Tino, said: “He lost his life due to the stress of trying to find somewhere to live because of the baby on the way. Local people should be prioritised for housing and this is something I’ve been pushing for.

“People can’t afford private rents any more. They are charging £600 for a one-bedroom bedsit these days and they want six months’ rent in advance. Kieron was leaving home at 5am and not getting home until after 9pm because he was trying to save for a flat.

“He was working flat out and it caused depression.

“It is so hard for some people to rent. He had got bad credit through no fault of his own so that made it harder.”

Kieron also leaves behind his mother, sister, nephew and niece.

More than 100 people are expected to attend his funeral at Southend Crematorium today.

Mr Callaghan, 57, from Stock Road, Southend, added: “He didn’t have time for hobbies lately but when he was younger he loved football. But recently it was just all work.

“No one knew though. He was always the life and soul of the party and always smiling.

Everyone loved him. He was as funny as hell. He got depressed, but no one new.

“We’re devastated.”