British actor Aaron Eaton has been found dead at the age of 29, just days after the release of his breakthrough film Brotherhood.
The Croydon-born actor, known as ‘Yogi’ to friends, played Teardrop in the Noel Clarke-directed film.
Stormzy, a friend of Eaton who also had a role in Brotherhood, was among those to pay tribute at a memorial service this week, the Croydon Advertiser reports.
And countless others from film and music have posted messages following Eaton’s sudden death, including Clarke.
… RIP Aaron. Spoke only a few days ago. I had more for you. Prayers to your family. pic.twitter.com/RgQnJSiSJe
— Noel Clarke (@NoelClarke) September 7, 2016
This one has hit home I can't lie. You had a kind heart and so many people will be broken by this, rest up my bro❤️ pic.twitter.com/pUna3FPdrW
— Stormzy (@stormzy) September 8, 2016
The Evening Standard reports that Eaton had worked as a mentor for aspiring young actors in addition to his work on Brotherhood.
An earlier performance – playing ‘Wolfy’ in 2015 film AWOL (Absent Without Love) earned the rising star a best actor nomination at the International Achievement Awards, held in London.
With a heavy heart we say sleep well to our brother Aaron Eaton who has passed on. Aaron played Wolfy in AWOL. RIP 💔 pic.twitter.com/dA9YzdUqvM
— ABSENT WITHOUT LOVE (@TheAWOLfilm) September 8, 2016
A crowdfunding page has been set up to contribute to funeral costs for the 29-year-old, and has already hit its £1,000 target.
The appeal reads: ‘Aaron (yogie) will be missed by so many people and has left a deep hole in many people’s heart’s! I am trying to raise a bit of money to help with his funeral expenses, what ever we can give to his lovely family at this hard time! Every little helps. Thank you.’