A HAMPSHIRE dad has described the heartbreaking moment his 17-year-old son was found dead on Father's Day.

Tommy Lawrence was using a computer at the family home in Marlborough Gardens, Hedge End, when he was suddenly taken ill, an inquest was told.

He was found the following morning when his mother Rachel went into his bedroom.

His father Russell told the inquest: "She said 'Tommy, have you fallen asleep at your computer?'. Then I heard her scream and rushed into his room.

"The image of finding him will never, ever leave us.

"He was a lovely boy - a 6ft gentle giant with a loud, raucous and infectious laugh. He was really caring and loved his sister Lucy."

The teenager died after going upstairs on June 20 last year to spend the evening on his computer.

His body was discovered the following morning - Father's Day. An ambulance was called but he was pronounced dead at the scene, despite attempts to revive him using CPR.

Tommy died of natural causes but doctors were unable to pinpoint the precise cause of death, which meant an inquest had to be held.

Dr Samantha Holden, a consultant pathologist at Southampton General Hospital, said he collapsed and could have succumbed to an undiagnosed heart condition.

One of the other witnesses who gave evidence was Det Sgt Robert Harrington, of Hampshire Constabulary, who confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

He said there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol in Tommy's system.

Describing him as a cheerful teenager who had a positive outlook on life he added: "He was popular and his passing has had an impact on a lot of his peers."

Area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp was told the cause of Tommy's death remained "unascertained" and recorded an open conclusion.

After the hearing Mr Lawrence thanked Det Sgt Harrington, other members of the emergency services and all the staff at the coroner's office "for their handling of what was a very difficult time for me, Rach and Lucy".

He added: "Tommy was a gentle, loving and funny boy whom we love and miss so very much."

The teenager attended Wildern School, Hedge End, before going to Eastleigh College.

An online fundraising campaign launched after his death has so far collected £2,275 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Murray Parish Trust.

One of the comments posted on the page says: "I will always remember Tommy as a lovely boy with a cheeky sense of humour."