TRIBUTES have been paid to a Southampton student who was found hanged in the city.
Christian Drane was discovered in woods near Burlington Road in the Polygon area of Southampton.
Friends of the 21-year-old photography student from Southampton Solent University were yesterday struggling to come to terms with his death.
A special group called RIP Christian Drane, set up on social networking site Facebook, was flooded with tributes to Christian.
A message from friend Lee Thompson read: "What a great guy, I always wanted to get to know you better. I'll miss you. xxxx."
Howie French said: "You were always a great guy to be around. Once more the world is a darker place and it really sux dude, take care buddy. H x."
Becca Coward wrote: "You were so special, I'm going to miss you so much. You never failed to put a smile on everyone's face, so amazing and so talented. An amazing friend. Rest in peace, babe. X."
Mary Elizabeth Jennings added: "Love and thoughts to everyone missing Christian. Can't believe it. You where always ready with a smile. xx."
Staff at Southampton Solent University, where Christian was in his second year, also paid tribute to him.
A spokeswoman said: "We are shocked and saddened by the news, and our thoughts go out to Christian's family and friends at this difficult time."
A police spokeswoman confirmed a body of a 21-year-old man had been found in woods near Burlington Road in the Polygon area of Southampton shortly after midday on Sunday.
A spokesman for Southampton Coroner's Office said an inquest into Christian's death was likely to open tomorrow.
According to the Facebook tribute page his funeral is being held on March 28 in his hometown of Doncaster in South Yorkshire.
