Tributes to Shropshire rugby player who tragically died on holiday in Thailand
Tributes were today paid to a young rugby player who died in a tragic accident while on holiday in South East Asia.
A event is being held next week in honour of Stewart Middleton, of Craven Arms, who died in a fall on February 25, while in Thailand with friends.
Mr Middleton studied at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College and worked for Clun Bars Ltd, a mobile catering business.
It is believed he fell and struck his head in an accident.
A spokeswoman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are providing support to the family of a British national who died in Koh Phangan, Thailand.
Shropshire Coroner's Office said an inquest into Mr Middleton's death will be opened once his body is back in the country.
He was a keen rugby player who was known to be a "big voice" on the pitch, having just started with Tref y Clawdd (Knighton) Rugby Club this season.
The club said last weekend's game against Old Tyleryan was "played in sadness".
Spokesman Adrian Morgan said: "Stewart was a big player for Trefy at No 8, even though he had only started playing for us this season, scoring many times, and he was also a big voice on the pitch and in the changing room.
"A minute's silence was held before the match, which was played in great spirit with Trefy doing Stewart proud by winning 53-6.
"All thoughts now are with family and friends."
The celebration of Mr Middleton's life will be held at Clun Church at 3pm on Thursday (MAR 10).
Those attending are asked not to wear any funeral wear and not to bring flowers. Instead donations can be made to Clun Church and Knighton Rugby Club.
After a service at the church, celebrations will continue at Clun Memorial Hall from 4pm to 9pm followed by two after-parties at both The Sun Inn and The White Horse Inn in Clun.
Sister Greta-lee Middleton said on facebook that it would "one hell of a party".
"You were truly beautiful in every way. You're my brother, my best friend, and now you're my angel," she said.
