TRIBUTES have been paid to the son of a Hampshire solicitor who is believed to have died after plunging from a window.

Kieran Keel, 20, was found dead outside his student lodgings, below his open window in what has been described as a “tragic accident”.

He is the son of Southampton criminal defence solicitor Barry Keel, who works for Eric Robinson Solicitors in its Bitterne office.

Kieran was in his second year at the University of Oxford studying Spanish and history at Brasenose College.

Although a cause of death has not yet been formally identified an inquest opening heard his bedroom window was open when checked after his death.

The coroner said: “His room was four or five storeys up. The window was open and Kieran was known to smoke out of the window.”

He was described as ‘wonderfully gifted’ by his former headmaster at Portsmouth Grammar School, James Priory.

In a statement, Mr Priory said: “Kieran was a wonderfully gifted and scholarly young man who contributed with zest to the wider life of the school.

“He joined PGS in Year 4 and was awarded a Foundation Scholarship on entry to the Senior School in Year 7.

“In the Sixth Form, he was proud to have earned a place as an opening bowler in the 1st XI cricket team; he debated with panache in the model United Nations, found time to write for the school magazine, The Portmuthian, and was elected by his peers to become a school prefect.

“Kieran spent 10 very happy years at Portsmouth Grammar School, establishing many close friendships. We are all therefore deeply saddened by the news of his untimely loss.”

His funeral will be held on Thursday, March 6 at 11.30am in Oxford, followed by a private service at a local crematorium.

Kieran was described as an active student who played for the Oxford Lancers, the university’s American football team.

He also served as social secretary for the club.

In a tweet the club said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP Diva, the Lancers will remember you.”

His death is not being treated as suspicious by police.