TRIBUTES have been paid to a man with a “heart of gold” after he was found dead at an Antrim house.
Stephen Clarke, 47, and Sean Benson, 37, were found dead at a house in Belfast on Thursday.
The PSNI are investigating the incident and awaiting toxicology reports.
And a local boxing club have now paid tribute to member Stephen Clarke, affectionately known as Chips.
City of Belfast Boxing Academy shared a post to social media to remember the dad-of-two.
They said: “The club and all of its coaches and members would like to share our sincerest condolences and deep sadness following the death of one of our boxers and coaches, Stephen ‘Chips’ Clarke.
“It may seem cliché to say, but Chips genuinely lit up every room he walked into, and there was never a dull or boring session at the club whenever he was around.
“He always made sure ever had a laugh, pushed themselves to the limits, and left with a smile on their faces.
“Chips himself always tried his hardest, no matter what was thrown at him, and we have all been left with so many happy memories of the guy who truly had a heart of gold.
They added: “Words cannot express how much we will miss Chips, especially now knowing that he will never walk through the doors again, but one thing is for sure – no one that ever crossed his path in the club, will ever forget him.
“We would most of all like to share all of our thoughts and love with his family and those closest to him.”
‘WILL BE MISSING HIM LIKE MAD’
And the comments were flooded with tribute for the beloved granddad.
One friend wrote: “Very sad he was a good guy will be missing him like mad and he was a good coach and friend he will be missed.”
Another added: “So sorry to hear this, Stephen was a wee gentleman, wouldn’t have passed without saying hello, may he rest in eternal peace, back in the arms of his lovely mammy.”
Another pal said: “So sad. Chips loved boxing and loved that wee club he always spoke to me about the club.”
The Boxing Club has set up a GoFundMe to raise money to help Stephen’s family cover funeral and memorial costs.
Asking people to donate whatever they can they remembered their “beloved coach and boxer”.
In the two days since the fundraiser was set up it has already exceeded its goal.
Just over £200 more than the original target has been raised coming in at £1,280.
The donations have been made by 32 kind people in remembrance of Stephen.
