Tributes after sudden death of 21-year-old

Family and friends have paid tribute to a Forfar man with “a heart of gold”, after he died suddenly. Bryce Murray, 21, was pronounced dead at an address in Forfar at around 8.30am, just two days after Christmas.

Bryce has been described as a loving son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and a supportive friend to many.

Growing up in Forfar, Bryce attended Whitehills primary school and later Forfar Academy.

After leaving school at 16, he went on to pursue a career in scaffolding with Enigma industrial services, where he became fully qualified in operations and rigging and had plans to work offshore.

Throughout his life, Bryce was known as extremely athletic through his love of football and kickboxing, and has been remembered by friends and family for his drive and determination.

At 16, Bryce also developed a passion for the gym where he would train with his 35-year-old brother, Rudi Brechin.

“His grandad played a massive part in his life and he always said that grandad and me were like his dad,” Rudi said.

“He was keen, hardworking and just absorbed everything.

“It was all or nothing for Bryce and that’s why he was so committed to his work. He was fully qualified at 20-years-old, he loved the gym, he was in excellent condition for his age and loved his football.”

Bryce was a role model to his 15-year-old nephew, Keenan and his four-yearold niece, Clementine.

Rudi said: “There was only a six-year difference between Bryce and his nephew, so there’s a brother-type of bond with the two of them and my son looks up to him like a brother – his style, how caring he was, giving he was, how polite he was.

“He was my son’s inspiration and role model.”

Bryce’s mum, Caroline Murray, described her son as “one of a kind”.

“Our relationship was fantastic, he was a loving son, my little baby, my youngest,” Caroline said.

“He brought laughter and love into people’s lives. He was one of a kind.

“I don’t think he ever realised that he was loved by so many people but he really was.”

Chloe Brown, Bryce’s girlfriend, said he had made her the happiest she had ever been. “He was just an amazing person, he gave his everything to everything he was doing and he was just so happy all the time, there was never a bad side to him,” Chloe said.

“It’s not often you meet someone and know in your heart that you want to spend the rest of your life with them, especially in the short time that we were together but it felt like I’d known him my whole life.”

Chloe Laird, one of Bryce’s friends, set up a crowdfunding page to help raise money for his funeral.

Since it was launched, it has raised almost £10,000 through hundreds of donations.

Friends of Bryce have described the young man as a supportive friend who had a “heart of gold”.

Ben Starkey said: “He was the most genuine person, who had a heart of gold, that’s what I loved about him. He put 100% into absolutely everything and was one of the most supportive guys.”

TRAGIC: Bryce Murray, described as a “role model” with his mum, left, and friends.