Mourners will dress in red and white following sudden death of Josh Payne

Popular Josh Payne’s sudden unexplained death has left his community stunned.

Now his family has asked people to dress in Saints football club colours for a funeral they hope will be a celebration of his life.

The former Woodlands Secondary School pupil, of Carey Road, Thornhill, had been feeling unwell for around four weeks and was referred to Southampton General Hospital by a GP.

The life-long Saints fan, who has an 11-month-old son, went into hospital on May 14 but died unexpectedly two days later leaving his family and friends stunned and devastated.

It is understood doctors are still trying to understand how he died and his mother Sandy Payne said they were still waiting for further test results that will take weeks.

Central Hampshire Coroner’s office said no inquest is being opened into Josh’s death at this stage pending further information.

About100 of his friends came together in Thornhill dressed in red and white, to reflect the Saints strip, and in an emotional tribute released dozens of red and white balloons and lanterns in his memory.

As previously reported, friends have rallied round to raise more than £1,000 in a matter of days towards the cost of Josh’s funeral.

This will be held at Wessex Vale Crematorium, in Bubb Lane, West End, on June 2 at 2.30pm.

All those that knew Josh and would like to pay their respects are welcome.

Devastated mum Sandy, 57, of Thornhill, who described Josh as “loved by everybody”, said she had “overwhelmed” by the fundraising efforts of Josh’s friends, which had made her realise how many lives he had touched.

Details of the wake will be released at a later stage.

Sandy said she hoped those attending Josh’s funeral would dress in casual red and white.

“It’s because of the Saints – that was the team he supported all his life. It would be a real tribute to him,” she said.

“It’s about giving a fitting tribute and send off for someone that we all loved very much.”