The family and friends of a Laxey man have paid tribute to him following his sad death while on holiday with his girlfriend.

Fraser Vaughan died aged just 27 on December 30 while on holiday in Costa Rica with his long-term girlfriend Hannah Stoutt.

A talented footballer, Fraser grew up in Laxey with his sister Rebecca and parents Frank and Sheila. He played for the village football club’s junior teams where he first showed his commitment, drive and skill on the pitch.

Fraser attended Ramsey Grammar School, where he met Hannah, before going on to graduate from the University of Manchester.

Since graduating, he had worked hard and recently completed his training as a chartered accountant. Fraser had trained with PWC and had moved to Douglas-based Conister Bank just prior to Christmas.

Fraser’s father Frank told the Manx Independent: ’Fraser was a wonderful, warm and kind son, brother, partner and friend and we take comfort in the fact that he was loved by so many people.

’He lived life to the full and will be missed by everyone who knew him.’

Frank also asked for Hannah’s and the family’s thanks to be passed to everyone who had supported them and shared kind words about Fraser.

Fraser’s death has drawn messages of condolences and the sharing of memories of a great teammate and tricky opponent from all corners of the Manx football community.

Laxey’s club secretary Mike Hurley said: ’This is truly awful news and our thoughts go out to his girlfriend Hannah, mum Sheila, dad Frank and sister Rebecca, also his friends and teammates at Laxey and Corinthians.

’We remember Fraser as a Laxey player from a very early age.

’He played at all age groups through to the first team with commitment, drive and skill- a true "box to box" midfielder.

’Fraser was a gentle giant really and will be remembered as a lovely lad who was a brilliant teammate and a great asset to all the managers that he played for. He will forever be a Laxey lad.’

A statement from Corinthians described Fraser as ’one of the nicest people you could wish to meet’ and lamented the cruelty of his death at an early age.

The club added: ’Fraser Vaughan signed for Corinthians AFC two seasons ago after spending most of his football career playing for his beloved Laxey. Fraser soon became one of the most respected players to play for the club, with this season being one of his best. Scoring an outstanding goal against St George’s that will live in the memories of the many who were there to witness his performance.

’Corinthians have lost a true gentleman, friend and great footballer. Our thoughts are with mum Sheila, dad Frank, sister Rebecca and girlfriend Hannah along with all his friends, which there are so many.’

It added: ’Rest in peace big man you will be missed but never forgotten by all at Corinthians.’

A statement from RYCOB, with which he won the 15-17 league said Fraser was ’one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet’ and ’a gifted footballer, it was a pleasure to have seen him at our club even for a brief period’.

A minute’s silence is planned before all games this weekend across the island’s four leagues.