TRIBUTES have been paid to a young man who apparently jumped to his death from the Orwell Bridge.

Tributes were today paid to a young man who apparently jumped to his death from the Orwell Bridge.

Tom Chick, a youth group leader at St Matthew’s Church in Ipswich, died on Sunday evening.

It is believed he had been battling depression.

Mr Chick, who was in his 20s, was today described as a “lovely person” who had “a great passion for life”.

A member of Mr Chick’s youth group at the church, who asked not be named, said: “I don’t want him to be another statistic of depression sufferers who commit suicide on that bridge.

“He was a quiet, intensive, lovely person, with a great passion for life.

“He tried so hard at life, I have never known anyone fight so hard.

“Tom will always be a source of inspiration, an example of devotion and zeal for the next step on your journey closer to Christ.

“When I think of expensive bicycles and curry, I will smile and remember his passion for both, and I will laugh because his smile was so lovely.

“It lit up your face like a bulb.”

Mr Chick attended Holbrook High School and Ipswich School before going on to Durham University to study engineering. He graduated in 2006.

Mr Chick’s page on social networking site Facebook revealed his relationship status as single and lists his interests as gardening, cycling, eating curry, classical music and philosophy.

Describing himself, he wrote on the site: “I follow Jesus and try to make him the most important thing in my life.

“Other passions of mine include eating Peshwari naans, playing lawn bowls and complaining about people wasting energy.”

He died at around 6pm on Sunday shortly after drivers had seen a man on the bridge and become concerned for his wellbeing.

Police were called to the bridge but by the time officers arrived Mr Chick was already lying on a pillar more than 40 metres below.

His body was recovered by a lifeboat crew.

An inquest into his death is due to be held at a later date.