Tributes are paid to Dorchester man who collapsed and died (From Thisisdorset)

Tributes are paid to Dorchester man who collapsed and died

11:30am Saturday 12th May 2012 in News

TRIBUTES have been paid to a tragic Dorchester man who collapsed and died aged just 25.

Keen diver and sportsman Jake Holden collapsed and died at his home at 5.20pm on Thursday.

He had represented England at shooting and had been tipped as a future Olympic hopeful.

Friends from Thomas Hardye School and Weymouth College, which Jake attended, paid tribute to their former classmate and said he would be sadly missed.

Kiara Wills, a former Weymouth College student, said on Facebook: “RIP Jake Holden, I hope the angels look after you in heaven. Miss you and will never forget our school day.”

Another college classmate Liza Purcell said: “RIP old friend, Jake Holden.”

Paul Duffy said: “It’s a sad day today to hear about the passing of Jake Holden, friend and great dive buddy.”

Pete Talbot, a friend from Thomas Hardye School, said: “It’s been a long time but such upsetting news. RIP Jake Holden.”

Dozens of others left messages of sympathy and support and news of the sudden death shocked the wider community.

Leah Mulry posted on Twitter: “Can’t believe it, absolutely devastated. RIP Jake Holden, will miss you.”

Jake was a member of the Old Harbour Dive Centre, based in Nothe Parade, Weymouth, and had been diving with the group for around a year.

Members of the diving club told the Echo: “Jake was a young charismatic member of our dive centre, and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

“We were devastated to hear the news and wish every condolence to his family and loved ones.

“We feel privileged to have known him and have many happy memories of his time spent diving with us.”

As well as his passion for diving Jake was also a keen shooter from a young age and achieved success in several competitions, including international events.

At the age of 13 he won a silver medal for Britain in an international competition in France and had aspirations of representing his country in the Olympics.

Jake and his father were both members of the Weymouth Rifle and Pistol Club, he also trained at the shooting range at Fordington.

Messages of sympathy and support were extended to Jake’s family and parents, Barbara and Keith.

Inspector Les Fry said: “I would like to extend sympathies to everyone who knew this young man, my thoughts go out to the family.”

A spokesman for Dorset Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.