Kind words flood in after sad loss of popular Sunderland bricklayer Steve Lynn

The former Southmoor pupil was just 25 when he died on January 17 after contracting flu, having fallen ill on Christmas Day.

Scores of Echo readers have left tributes to the popular bricklayer, described as a "gentle giant".

Diane Pearce said: "Such a tragic story. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends, he sounds like a lovely lad."

Christine Tiernan said: "One of my son's closest friends who will be sadly missed. RIP Betsy. Sending all our love to his family."

Janeann Hepworth said: "God bless. A gentle giant he was . Sleep tight Bonny lad."

Claire Proud said: "So sad and devastating for his poor family. We don’t realise just how serious this flu can turn. Poor lad. RIP."

Kelly Anne Wilson said: "How absolutely devastating. Feel heartbroken for Kelly and all Steven's loving family and friends. He sounds an amazing lad God bless him."

Bridie Snowdon said: "Just broke my heart reading that, so, so sad."

Lynn Fisher said: "So sorry for your loss Kelly thinking of you and all the family RIP Steven."

Denise Jackson said: "So, so sad. Can't think of anything worse than loosing a child."

Julie Mcdowell said: "So sad how the flu can kill such a young lad."

Lauren Nicholson said: "Funny, young, caring lad! Going to be missed so much."

Tracey Clark said: "Poor lad just a boy deepest sympathy for his family rip sweetheart.God bless."